No news is good news

I am literally talking about THE news. As far as I'm concerned it should be avoided at all costs (at least on TV and via social media). There are better sources, and we will be better people for seeking them out!

This is the result of an off-blog conversation with my good friend, Jim, and it's too good to keep to myself. 

I said I always thought the advent of 24/7 news was one of the worst things to happen to the world. Social Media has only made it worse.

Jim noted:

"The worst part about it is that it is almost all un-actionable. Other than writing a letter to the editor or our Reprehensitives, there is not much more we can do except get shaking angry or existentially depressed. And to what purpose?"

He pointed me to this great little article from raptitude.com: Five Things You Notice When You Quit the News. It is spot on!! I won't share the whole thing, but here are the five points...

1. You will feel better
2. You were never actually accomplishing anything by watching the news
3. Most current-events-related conversations are just people talking out of their asses
4. There are much better ways to "be informed"
5. "Being concerned" makes us feel like we're doing something when we're not

I encourage you to read this short little piece  (here's the link again). You'll be glad you did.

One other thing Jim pointed out was this great quote from a CEO who also doesn't follow the news:

"If it's important, the waiter will tell me."

Yes! It may not be a waiter right now (given covid restrictions and all) but if it's important, SOMEBODY will make sure you know. 

Now, don't get the wrong idea and think I'm saying ignorance is bliss. I read a lot, and like to think I'm a fairly discerning reader. True journalists are amazingly valuable people. We need to make sure we don't get them mixed up with propaganda artists and marketing manipulators. As the above author states, "Read three books on a topic and you'll know more about than 99% of the world."

So, there ya go. If you want some good news, by all means, stay away from TV news!!

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“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” -Matthew 22:37-39