Useless things

（點此閱讀中文版）

I’ve never understood why I’m so fascinated by pen plotters, letterpress printing, and vintage typewriters.

I did notice what these three things have in common: they were all invented to improve human productivity, and then they were completely replaced by more efficient tools.

I consider myself a practical and rational person. I can’t understand why I’m so drawn to these outdated tools—especially when they cost more combined than buying a computer and printer.

A few days ago, I read this quote from Derek Sivers in Wiwi’s post:

“Art is useless by definition. If it was useful, it would be a tool.”

This suddenly made me realize: I’ve been trying to make these useless tools useful.

But here’s the funny thing—I’m using them for artistic creation, so the results are still useless.

Or maybe, I’m empathizing with them.

They were replaced by computers, just like us engineers are being replaced by AI.

So can we—this group who are destined to become obsolete—work together to create something beautiful?

I’m still searching for answers.