Latest Bits: April 18, 2025

Tackling the Remaining Years with Neil Postman's Gritty Wisdom

There's nothing like a good dose of brutally honest, slightly grumpy advice to kickstart the day, right? And that's exactly what we got when we stumbled upon Neil Postman's posthumous collection of life maxims. As one of the most insightful thinks on media's impact on us and our culture, his advice is worth taking seriously.

As you scroll through his "22 maxims for surviving a culture in decline," you'll likely find a few points that make you scratch your head. Naysayers from California might object to his first maxim. But the list is full of humor, thought-provoking questions, and wisdom that continues to resonate today. Here are some of my favorites:

Swear off TV news shows and stay away from tabloid newspapers.
If you're a jogger, stop immediately. (Sports fans, breathe easy.)
Stick with your spouse, if you're married.
Embrace routines whenever possible.
Expect a decrease in intelligence as you age.
Limit your opinions-and those you share.
Carefully limit the information you consume.
Remember,roughly 95% of everything is rot.
Take religion more seriously than you may think necessary.

On the other hand, Julieta Venegas' catchy tunes have been a hit on our McKay car playlist. Her accordion-driven pop songs stick in your head for days! "Lento," "Me Voy," and "Andar Conmigo" are our go-to tunes during our clean-the-house-for-the-kids'-school-concert sessions. Venegas' distinctive voice is a treat for the ears, and the kids can't wait to practice their Spanish skills to translate her lyrics.

David Riesman's "*The Lonely Crowd" book remains a crucial read for anyone interested in sociology. Written in the '50s, it masterfully predicted the shift from "inner-directed" individuals to "other-directed" people, thriving on peer approval. If you haven't already, give it a read and see if his observations on conformity ring true in today's social media-driven world.

Hit the road with Jack Link's peppered beef "steaks." A great, protein-packed snack, these handheld delights provide 23 grams of protein with just 140 calories. They're perfect for fueling up during your next epic road trip. Oh, and they're much less messy than loose jerky pieces!

Check out our newsworthy titbits in our Dying Breed newsletter, including "Sunday Firesides: Information Won't Save You" and "How to Be a Swell Podcast Guest."

"Tell me what you habitually attend to and I will tell you what you are." -H.A.Overstreet

Bonus Content:

Intrigued by Neil Postman's maxims? Dive deeper into his works, focusing on his critiques of technology's impact on culture and society. Some of his most prominent publications include "Amusing Ourselves to Death" and "Technopoly," which explore the complex relationship between technological advancement and the degradation of human values.

Don't be afraid to challenge your own beliefs and question the impact of media on your life. As Postman put it, "what we attend to controls our behavior, and what we can get others to attend to controls their behavior." Embrace the grit and take charge of your own destiny!

Neil Postman's maxim about jogging could be a point of discussion for those advocating for fitness, urging them to reassess their exercise routines and consider less strenuous alternatives, like embracing routines that might offer more balance to their health-and-wellness lifestyle.
As you delve into Neil Postman's works, you might find his critiques of technology resonate with your own concerns about the impact of science and technology on character development, as he argues that an over-reliance on technology could potentially erode human values.
If you're a fan of Julieta Venegas' music, you might also appreciate the Spanish language used in her songs, providing an opportunity to engage with the culture and enhance your language skills – a valuable addition to your lifestyle book collection.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, Jack Link's peppered beef "steaks" offer a portable and protein-packed snack option, perfect for fitness enthusiasts aiming to maintain their nutrition on-the-go as part of their lifestyle choices.
When pondering Neil Postman's maxims, you might also want to consider your media consumption and entertainment choices critically, as per Postman's wisdom about what we attend to controlling our behavior – making it essential to question the influence of entertainment and media on your character formation and personal development.