Humankind would accomplish and advance more if these individuals were being productive as well. Well, it could mean a vaccine for AIDS or cancer, it could mean better brakes for cars, it could mean a more economical way to feed children, it could mean a new energy source which eliminates energy concerns forever or that made teleportation a reality. A major breakthrough in our human condition and quality of life could truly be at stake. Ultimately, consumers and businesses ended up paying billions of dollars purchasing technical books, courses, training employees, etc., and losing untold hours troubleshooting their computers and forfeiting free time that could have been spent with children, loved-ones, or just simply fishing. We must train ourselves to think more responsibly when choosing a computer as consumers.
Computers are unlike other consumer products, like the shoe, for example.
The shoe, enables the foot. The computer, enables the mind. We can choose to strive to maximize its potential and improve life on this planet, or we can regard it irresponsibly and pay the price by working longer for more subtle, less momentous achievements. Though, should we choose rightly, we are assured that our achievements will beget achievements and our momentum will beget momentum. We have become slothful and desensitized to illegal business practices that manipulate us and trample the competitive market system.