Reading Reflection No. 2

Book of Choice: Cognitive Surplus by Clay Shirky

What was the general theme or argument of the book?: Cognitive Surplus seeks to detail the immense role that computers, the Internet, and modern forms of media (social media, etc.) have upon the way that individuals in society spend their free time- in particular, the ability for individuals to use technology and the internet for good (learning, sharing ideas, finding culture, community, and inclusion, and creating new things). It plays a lot on the idea that as a whole, many people in society value belonging and a sense of self (community) over most other things. It also advocates for the view that the internet is a safe haven of sorts, especially in the ever-developing world that we live in, with all of its new views and increasing opportunities for creativity. It is a roaming ground with no real rules, where anything goes and anyone is welcome (within reason, obviously).

How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT3003?: I feel that one of the main underlying themes in this class is that entrepreneurship is not always about being the zero to one, and that often times its more about just having a meaningful impact upon a community and the lives of others (which I was reminded of by Cognitive Surplus). At its core, that’s what entrepreneurship is about- being and making things in the world better. It’s not about making a profit, which is something that I feel gets lost in translation at times, especially with big startup companies that turn public. Everyone wants to be a billionaire, but for all of the wrong reasons. If we were to all just focus on being better people, helping and collaborating with others, and learning and sharing our ideas freely, society as a whole would be a lot better off.

If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?: My exercise would be a thought experiment of sorts. I would have everyone get together and think to themselves: If money were not a worry and you could do anything- what would you devote your life to? I believe that people often times get so caught up in the pursuit of wealth that they end up making themselves miserable. If people were to step back and really consider just what their aspirations are, all things aside, they would have so much more direction in life, and as a whole the world would be a lot better off. The goal would be for everyone to realize just that- that no matter how much money they have or make, or that the world makes, it will never be enough. It is more about how we as people interact, live, share, and coexist as good human beings, being kind and caring to one another.

What was your biggest surprise or ‘aha’ moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?: To be honest, I really wasn’t all too sure what to expect from this book when I first opened it up. I had half anticipated it to be a book about how we as humans are evolving into more cognizant and intelligent beings as society is progressing due to the strains and stresses of modern society (evolution, if you will), but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was something quite different. This book definitely provides a hot take, purporting the Internet and social media to be positive influencers on society (especially in our troubling day and age when so many lies and problems arise due to it). However, it does present a lot of valid viewpoints, and does help to restore my faith in humanity, which is always refreshing- especially at a troubling time in the world, like we are facing right now.