A Book, a Taco, and a Beer

I'm reading Ezra Klein's latest book, "Abundance," which explores governing from a posture of “enough” rather than our current approach based on scarcity and fear.

Last week, over tacos with a friend, we discussed Ryan Coogler's film "Sinners." Neither of us had watched beyond the first trailer, protecting ourselves from spoilers.

Trailers have evolved dramatically since their 1913 inception by Nils Granlund. By the 1960s, directors like Hitchcock and Kubrick were crafting their own. Then "Jaws" (1978) transformed the industry entirely.

Today's trailers often serve as plot summaries to avoid false advertising claims. In 2013, the National Picture Association attempted to limit trailers to two minutes, but studios resisted, claiming it would hurt business.

They were defending what I'm fighting against.

Saturday, sharing beers with my favorite bookseller, we debated the universe. He sought comprehensive understanding; I advocated for magic and wonder. We reached no consensus, but I remain convinced: not knowing is more rewarding.

Modern culture increasingly eliminates surprise, smooths all edges, and provides immediate access to everything. Though the term "social media" dates back to Charles Cooley in 1897, our current reality of constant connectivity was perhaps inevitable.

But here's the question worth asking: Just because we can have answers to everything, should we?

Is there a Noom for media consumption - asking for a friend?