@popa_bar_abba – You should think carefully before you make blanket statements. It’s not so obvious that Chazal could have made computers. Your statement can be applied to a million things.
It’s obvious that Chazal could have made penicillin. The fact that they didn’t shows that we are not meant to have it.
It’s obvious that Chazal could have made YWN. The fact that they didn’t shows that we are not meant to have it.
It’s obvious that Chazal could have made cars. The fact that they didn’t shows that we are not meant to have them.
And the list goes on: heating, indoor plumbing, tupperware, lightbulbs etc.
I agree with the original poster that computers should be used towards their immense potential for good things.
It’s idiotic comments like yours, @popa_bar_abba, that give the frum world a bad name amongst the modern orthodox, the the irreligious and thenations of the world. Statements like “It’s obviously an omen that you are doing something wrong.” or “We’re better off without him” (in reference to the President or any person) display an innate boorishness that we cannot afford to display. It’s a Chillul Hashem. If you have strong feelings, keep ’em to yourself!
@BP Zaideh – If you are thinking about “mundane things like money”, don’t you think that you have a long way to go until you can worry about the implications and effects of merely seeing a phrase as you make your way through daily life?
@BP Totty – Perhaps you should use paper currency a little more and stop using “plastic” as much.
(Despite Keynesian theory, spending is not a sign of a healthy economy, but a possible side-effect. A healthy economy is built up on savings not spending. If you’re saving money, where did it come from? the answer is: debt or savings. It sounds like you’re using too much credit.)
However, you have made an excellent point about the powerful potential of technology and the fact that we are not using it is a shame. Perhaps if we spent more time being productive and less time spewing l”h on these forums, the Gedolim would shun the internet less, if only slightly.
Happy Chanuka to all!