My ADD: Attention Deficit Device
How often do you use your Attention Deficit Device?
There once was a powerful wizard from the valley of sand. He knew the deep mystery that the greatest power in the world is not found in physical strength, military might, or riches - it is in the life-force that people direct to the here and now. The people knew of this directed life-force and called it ‘attention’ - but did not understand the full extent of its power.
So the wizard created a magic device. It made life better in many ways, and like all magic, it required an exchange: the bits of better life would be granted only in exchange for bits of the great but ignored power of attention. With this device the people could:
Talk with people anywhere in the world - not here
Hear music performed in the past - not now
See photos of other places - not here
Make plans for other times - not now
Learn of the joy, sorrow, success and ideas of other people - not here
The wizard held great ceremonies where people lavished praise on him and his magic device. Soon other wizards from the valley of sand joined his effort and enhanced his device, making billions of copies and spreading them across the land. The valley of sand grew in power as wizards with lesser powers sought their help: Wizards with shops sought help selling products. Wizards in politics sought help winning voters. Even the great wizards of war came to the valley of sand for help, because they realized that battles won on land are empty victories compared with winning hearts and minds through the power of attention.
These devices became so helpful that the people soon found life impossible without them. I myself have one in my front pocket at all times, and even when I sleep it is near my bed.
Meanwhile, the wizards are wide awake, busily scheming new ways to captivate even more of my attention.