there is an inherent value in doing things in person, value in the tactile turning of a page, reading of liner notes that are not electronic files, and being handed a pen to sign your name on a receipt. right now, we still have the option in most cases, of taking part in these tiny human moments. but as a culture, we are in transition in ways many of us don’t even realize. in our thirst for cheaper, faster, more convenient consumption, we are gradually giving up things that are more basic and just as valuable. the physical act of making eye contact, or sometimes just as significantly avoiding it, is one of the most basic and most crucial elements of human society. as we turn to wider uses of all our wonderful technology, we must also maintain opportunities to engage with each other and the world around us because all our gains do have their costs, and we are wise to be mindful of them.