Me and my wife watch laser discs, and I collect old computers.

The words of Shooter Jennings—“Me and my wife watch laser discs, and I collect old computers. And one of my regular models is a 1993 computer with Windows 98 on it. I just love old technology, and I don't know what you would call that. I'm just stuck in 1991, '92.”—resonate with a profound reflection on memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. In a world racing toward the new and the next, Jennings embraces the artifacts of the past, finding joy, connection, and fascination in tools and technologies that others may have long abandoned. His words remind us that the past holds both wisdom and delight, and that engagement with it is a celebration of continuity and curiosity.

In these words, we see the ancient principle of reverence for the old. The ancients preserved scrolls, sculptures, and tools not merely as relics but as conduits of knowledge, memory, and culture. Jennings’ fascination with laser discs and early computers mirrors this tradition: to collect and cherish these objects is to honor the ingenuity and creativity of those who came before. It is also an acknowledgment that progress is built upon the foundations of prior innovation, and that understanding history deepens appreciation for the present.

The origin of this quote lies in Jennings’ personal life and passions. He speaks of the delight in revisiting technologies from his youth, from early home computers to media formats that were once revolutionary. These artifacts evoke a sense of continuity and personal identity, connecting him to his own past and the broader history of technology. By embracing “old technology,” Jennings cultivates both curiosity and reflection, demonstrating that fascination need not be limited to the contemporary or cutting-edge.

History offers parallel examples of such reverence for the past. Consider Renaissance scholars who collected ancient manuscripts and studied antiquity to inform their innovations in art, science, and philosophy. Their fascination with older knowledge did not hinder progress; instead, it provided context, inspiration, and depth. Similarly, Jennings’ love for old computers and laser discs reflects the understanding that what is seemingly outdated still contains lessons, beauty, and utility for the present and future.

Jennings’ reflection also underscores the emotional dimension of objects and technology. These old computers and media are not mere tools; they carry memories, stories, and the essence of an era. To engage with them is to reconnect with personal and cultural history, to inhabit a moment in time long past, and to cultivate joy through familiarity and continuity. The “stuck” feeling he describes is less a limitation than a profound attachment to the moments, creativity, and wonder of early technological exploration.

Consider a modern analogy in the world of vintage music or classic cars. Collectors and enthusiasts of vinyl records or early automobiles do not merely preserve objects; they preserve experiences, sounds, and sensations that shaped human culture. Just as a vinyl record captures the warmth and texture of music in a way digital files cannot, Jennings’ computers and laser discs capture the spirit, aesthetics, and ingenuity of their time. His devotion illustrates the timeless human desire to honor and engage with the past.

The lesson embedded in Jennings’ words is clear: do not disregard what has been because it is old or obsolete. The artifacts of the past carry wisdom, beauty, and inspiration that can inform the present and illuminate the future. Curiosity, care, and engagement with history—whether technological, artistic, or cultural—nurture both understanding and delight. By preserving and exploring the old, we maintain a dialogue with our own past and with the creativity of previous generations.

And so, my children, remember this eternal guidance: cherish the artifacts of history, embrace the old tools and technologies, and let them connect you to the continuum of human ingenuity. As Shooter Jennings teaches, fascination and joy are not constrained by the new; sometimes they reside in the relics, the instruments, and the media that first inspired wonder. In honoring the past, we cultivate wisdom, continuity, and the enduring spark of curiosity that defines the human spirit.