Friction

Hey there, ProductHunt community! Joan Westenberg here, and I wanted to share a personal reflection on why I wrote my book, "Friction: Take Back Control In A World Optimized For Apathy." Throughout my life, I've witnessed the incredible advancements and benefits that AI and automation have brought to our society. These tools have undoubtedly made our lives easier and more efficient in many ways. However, I've also noticed a growing concern—the erosion of our connection to our own humanity. In a world optimized for convenience and streamlined experiences, it's easy to lose touch with what makes us truly human. We risk becoming disconnected from our emotions, from our ability to think critically, and from our capacity for genuine empathy and understanding. "Friction" was born out of my deep conviction that while AI tools are undoubtedly useful, we must actively choose to do certain things ourselves, by hand, in order to maintain a working relationship with our own humanity. It is in these deliberate acts of engaging with the world in a tangible and imperfect manner that we find fulfillment, personal growth, and meaningful connections with others. Writing this book was my way of encouraging individuals to recognize the value of embracing friction in our lives. It is a call to action, urging us to resist the alluring temptation of automation and instead choose to navigate the complexities of the human experience with intention and authenticity. I firmly believe that by consciously choosing to lean into the challenges, uncertainties, and the "messiness" of life, we can reconnect with our own humanity. We can reawaken our creativity, our intuition, and our ability to forge deep and meaningful connections with others. "Friction" is not a rejection of progress or technological advancement. Instead, it serves as a gentle reminder that we should tread the path of innovation with mindful consideration, ensuring that we retain our essence as human beings. Friction is available as a free PDF download; but if you like it, you can also choose to mint a first edition of the book as an NFT to support my work. Wishing you all the best, Joan Westenberg