The American Heritage Dictionary defines this word as follows:
- A riddle in which a fanciful question is answered by a pun.
- A paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma: “the conundrum, thus far unanswered, of achieving full employment without inflation” (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.)
OK. So it’s a condition that leaves us fancifully questioning a difficult, if not insoluble problem? How does this apply to me?
Scenario Neanderthal
If dropped into the middle of a vast area of nothing but the most primitive of conditions and no other human contact for hundreds of miles, I would consider it a pleasure. A, “Thank You! Finally, some solace, freedom from the rat-race and a real start on getting back to basics.” Yes, that is honestly how I would look at it. And I’d go about forming whatever I had at my disposal to provide the needs for basic survival. I would not have the first thought for anything reminiscent of technology; especially since the era of the Internet. I would hurt and grow hungry as anyone else not accustomed to the riggers of daily survival. But I would not loath the condition. I would truly work to make it more enjoyable.
I would be happy to be free of social conformity. I would be happy to be away from other people. I would enjoy the lights going out on current society. I am untethered. I am free.
Scenario Techno-Geek
Oh, I do love the gadgets! I love the speed of communication, thought, expression, collaboration, debate and growth! I relish in the opportunity to turn a good idea into a monetized gravy-train. I ripple with anticipation when I have an idea that could actually move the foundation of human society forward: Hey, it’s my thesis!
I talk, walk, think, grunt, contemplate, capitulate, gesticulate, concern, careen, absorb, inhale, perplex, evangelize, remunerate, conceptualize … and more, all things Techno! I am a geek.
I also love being with people; talking to and interacting with people. I deeply enjoy helping people; teaching and training the inner secrets of technology; its worth and value: today and into the future.
I see technology as a liberating tool of immense potential, not as a shackle destined to destroy. I don’t see people separated by or through technology. I see technology as a tool for reconnection. I love technology. I am connected. I am embedded.
Conundrum
I am at once both
Divided, wholly complete
Opposites attract
This is me. A conundrum.
But a question before I go.
What resides inside itself, yet flows free without containment; powering off a rigid set of rules, while progressing in chaotic fantasy; and is the source of every sentiment of good and evil?
This is a conundrum. And it requires this, conundrum, to solve it.
CREATIVITY.
Yes, a conundrum to be sure.