I'm not really gadget oriented. I'm not into technology or

Listen, O children of the earth, to the words of Nicolas Cage, who speaks not with disdain, but with a humble acknowledgment of his relationship with the modern world: "I'm not really gadget oriented. I'm not into technology or computers. I'm not good at interfacing with that sort of gear." These words, though seemingly simple, carry with them a deeper meaning about the nature of human connection, technology, and the essence of the self in an age dominated by machines. Cage's admission is not one of ignorance, but of conscious choice, a declaration of how the soul navigates a world that often pulls us toward its gadgetry, its screens, and its digital interfaces.

In the ancient world, wisdom was passed down not through machines or tools, but through words, actions, and teachings. The great philosophers and orators did not rely on the tools of the world to convey their wisdom; they relied on their connection to the human experience—on their ability to speak to the hearts of others, to see beyond the distractions of the material world, and to communicate truths that resonated with the soul. Cage’s words remind us that the essence of living is found not in the tools we wield, but in the relationships we form and the human connections we nurture. Technology, while powerful, cannot replace the inner wisdom of the individual.

Consider the example of Socrates, the great philosopher, who lived in a world without the technology we take for granted today. Yet, Socrates' power lay not in the inventions around him, but in his ability to engage others in deep, meaningful conversation. He didn’t need gadgets to question the nature of truth or to help others find wisdom. His wisdom came from within, from his engagement with others, and his ability to ask questions that forced people to think beyond their immediate surroundings. He understood that knowledge and wisdom are not found in machines, but in the heart and the mind of each individual. In this way, Cage’s words remind us that our greatest strength lies in connecting with others and in tuning into the deeper currents of life that technology can never replicate.

Cage’s refusal to embrace gadgets is not a rejection of progress but a conscious decision to remain true to himself, to maintain a clear focus on what matters most in his life. In an era where we are surrounded by constant technological advancements, Cage speaks for those who choose to live in the present, who do not wish to be swept away by the onslaught of screens and devices. His words echo the wisdom of the ancients, who warned against distractions—those that take us away from the essence of life, from the truths within, and from the relationships that define us.

Let us look at the life of the Buddha, who, in his search for enlightenment, rejected the material world and sought a deeper understanding of the self. He meditated under the Bodhi tree, turning inward, disconnecting from the distractions of society, and finding clarity in the stillness of his mind. The Buddha’s wisdom was not forged in the fires of technology but in the simplicity of his experience, in his ability to listen to his inner voice and to connect with the divine. Cage, too, in his own way, seeks that simplicity, rejecting the noise of modern gadgets in favor of the deeper connections that form the true foundation of a meaningful life.

The lesson here, O children of the earth, is one of balance and choice. In the age of unrelenting technological advancement, we must remember that our connection to the world does not have to come through gadgets and machines. Technology can be a tool, but it should never be allowed to become our master. Cage’s words remind us that we must choose how we engage with the world and the tools we use. We should never lose sight of the human element, the inner wisdom, and the authenticity that makes life meaningful.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, embrace technology as a tool, but remember that it is not the essence of life. Seek to connect deeply with others, to cultivate inner wisdom, and to nurture your relationships with family, friends, and your community. Live with intention, choosing when and how to engage with the distractions of the modern world. Do not let gadgets define you, for true wisdom is found in the simplicity of the human experience, in the moments of stillness and connection that technology can never replicate. Like Cage, choose your path with clarity and purpose, and remain rooted in what truly matters.