On the Relevance of Being Really Useful
In the modern world, the ‘being’ of something is, in the first instance, articulated in terms of its function and usefulness. In Thomas the Tank Engine, a famous British children’s entertainment product (starting as a character in children’s books, and later becoming a television cartoon as well as a whole range of toys), featuring a small steam engine called Thomas, the purpose of existence for the engines is defined in terms of aspiring to become ‘Really Useful’. This is perhaps the most astute expression of the ideal modern spirit: the value of something is ultimately defined by its functionality (and not, as some have claimed, by its price).
This process, which is historical as well as structural, is itself in need of further exploration. What drives this primacy of usefulness? How has it become so obvious that it is now a key part of common sense to intervene from the outset with a question about relevance? Has the very meaning of usefulness undergone any changes over the years? And who is able to define what is ‘Really Useful’?
July 6th, 2006 at 9:18 am
I’ve always associated this call with Protestant (utilitarian) ethics - it was almost absent in my life until I left Latin America - and nowhere do I see it manifest itself more forcefully these days than in technology development.
July 6th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
true as the author of Thomas the Tank Engin was a protestant ministerww
July 7th, 2006 at 10:15 am
personally, i’ve always preferred the winnie-the-pooh stories. a.a. milne never had any problem telling kids (or adults) that there’s a lot to be said for doing nothing and being less than perfect. those stories prepared me for everyday life so much better than thomas’ practically fascist obsession with being useful ever did!