Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 6/27/2025 + 2837 more book reviews

Although he addresses other aspects of technology, from the printing press to computers, the author focuses on TV as the main villain. And I couldn't agree more. TV is chewing gum for the mind. I had a bumper sticker on the bulletin board in my office stating "Kill Your Television." When people ask how I can read so many books, I simply tell them I haven't had TV for 40 years, so I've had plenty of time to read. If I'm in a waiting room with a TV and it is on, I find it so annoying I leave, even if it means standing outside in the heat or cold. This reminds me of one of my favorite Groucho Marx quotes. "TV can be very educational. Every time someone turns on a set, I go in the next room and read a book."

The book starts off slow with a philosophical discussion, but quickly begins addressing the problems TV cause. I especially enjoyed his chapters on TV evangelists and political campaign ads. The book is only about 160 pages long, so it is a quick read.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book.

"Sesame Street does not encourage children to love school. It encourages them to love TV."

"Television does not ban books, it simply displaces them."

"You shall wait a very long time indeed if you wish to hear an electronic preacher refer to the difficulties a rich man will have in gaining access to Heaven."

"To the telegraph, intelligence meant knowing of LOTS of things, not knowing ABOUT them." To bring that-up-to-date, simply substitute TV for telegraph.

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