# Wendell Berry’s Prescient Critique: Why He Forewent the Personal Computer in 1987 – And Why It Still Matters

## Wendell Berry’s Prescient Critique: Why He Forewent the Personal Computer in 1987 – And Why It Still Matters

In 1987, as the personal computer revolution was gathering steam, Wendell Berry, the renowned Kentucky farmer, essayist, and poet, penned a compelling argument against its adoption, a piece titled simply, “Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer.” This essay, now readily available online (linked in the original piece on BookofJoe), wasn’t a Luddite rant against technology itself. Instead, it was a thoughtful and remarkably prescient examination of the potential social, economic, and ultimately, existential consequences of blindly embracing technological advancements.

Berry’s reasoning, far from being outdated, resonates with surprising relevance even today. His central argument hinges on the concept of **responsibility**. He questioned the seemingly unquestioned assumption that technology automatically equates to progress. For Berry, the purchase of a computer wasn’t a simple consumer decision; it was a moral one. He saw it as a potential disengagement from his community, a severance from the physical world, and a contributing factor to an increasingly specialized and compartmentalized society.

One of Berry’s primary concerns was the **loss of connection to the land**. As a farmer deeply rooted in his local ecosystem, he feared the isolating effects of spending hours in front of a screen. He believed that a computer would distance him from the practical, hands-on work that sustained him and his community. This wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about cultivating a relationship with the soil, the seasons, and the rhythms of the natural world – a relationship he saw as essential to his well-being and the well-being of his community.

Beyond personal impact, Berry also expressed concerns about the **economic implications** of widespread computer adoption. He argued that automation, while seemingly beneficial in the short term, could ultimately lead to job displacement, increased corporate power, and a widening gap between the rich and the poor. He feared a society where human skills and labor were increasingly devalued, leading to a loss of self-sufficiency and community resilience.

Furthermore, Berry anticipated the potential for **information overload** and the erosion of critical thinking. He worried that the constant bombardment of data would distract from genuine understanding and lead to a superficial engagement with complex issues. In a world saturated with information, he argued, the ability to discern truth from falsehood and to think deeply and critically becomes more vital than ever.

While Berry’s essay might initially seem like a rejection of progress, it’s more accurately a call for **conscious technological adoption**. He wasn’t opposed to technology per se, but rather to the uncritical acceptance of technology without considering its broader consequences. He urged readers to ask difficult questions: Who benefits from this technology? What are its hidden costs? And what impact will it have on our relationships, our communities, and our planet?

Reading “Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer” in 2024, in a world utterly transformed by technology, is a humbling and sobering experience. Berry’s words serve as a powerful reminder that technology is not inherently good or bad. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or ill. The responsibility lies with us to wield it thoughtfully, ethically, and with a deep awareness of its potential impact on ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. Perhaps now, more than ever, Berry’s insightful critique is a necessary antidote to the relentless march of technological progress, urging us to pause, reflect, and consider the true cost of convenience.