What about political change? Learning languages? Making loving relationships? Protecting and exploring our natural world? Traveling farther into our solar system? Eliminating poverty, oppression, or eradicating disease?

Perhaps his imagination is already capped. In a world of mind-boggling convenience, access to data, and cross-country mobility, he wants more of the same--with less human interaction and less reflection. Lots of these ideas have fantastic benefits, but lots of them inflict obvious harm. "I want," he says; less thought for others and more for himself.

I'd rather design things that help people start meaningful discussions with caregivers, not eliminate them. I'd rather enjoy the journey, not anxiously await the destination. I'd rather reduce the stream of useless (but entertaining!) data coming at me from my devices and focus on that tiny percentage of content that shows me things worth knowing.

In the future, maybe we will be able to stuff ourselves with guilt-free calories, buy shit we don't need when computers tell us to, and have our hedonistic wishes instantly gratified by swarms of flying robots, as Curtis suggests. In the meantime, I'll keep dreaming about technology's potential for true good--and teaching myself to be happy with what I have.

"I want to order a tube of toothpaste, a tomato, or a sandwich, and have it delivered to me within 10 minutes"

...it's called a supermarket.

If somebody here knows Curtis personally, I would recommend to send him this book: http://www.amazon.com/Design-For-The-Real-World/dp/0897331532

He needs more real-world experience. Urgently.

This really isn't going to go over well with the SF locals. Ho boy. #grabspopcorn

The undercurrent of this is just sad to me.

His articles lead me to believe, more and more, that he has few friends. It seems that his ideal life includes fewer and fewer humans as the article grows in length.

Also, the first 'I want' leads me to believe that he is potentially overweight and has very little self control...