An American scientist claims to have created synthetic life. I am sorry, but there’s nothing new in this. Synthetic life has been with us for decades and decades. Ever been on a commuter train, worked in an office, gone to a shopping mall, visited a theme park or watched TV? That’s both seeing and living synthetic life; this is life at its furthest remove from authenticity.
Illustration by Chris Page
Good observations. I’ve always thought that theme parks were the worst of synthetic entertainment. Strap into a seat, listen to a guide recite the same lines he or she has spouted all day with the same fake enthusiasm at the same points, followed by the giggly screams as the ride plunges, a monster pops out or other “SURPRISE”. All for the benefit of sharing the same experience with countless others and having a common discussion point.
Rather spend the day in a park watching people or going somewhere off the beaten tourist tracks.
It’s quite sad, isn’t it. I wish I could get away from it all..