Kenneth Goldsmith Go Ahead Waste Time On The Internet: Complete Guide & Key Details
Ever feel a tiny pang of guilt when you're scrolling endlessly? You know, that feeling like you should be doing something more productive? We've all been there. But what if I told you that your internet-wandering is actually… okay? Even good?
Enter Kenneth Goldsmith. He's a poet, a conceptual artist, and a bit of a rebel. And he's here to tell us something pretty darn liberating. He basically gives us a green light to do what we love to do.
His book, aptly titled "Go Ahead, Waste Time on the Internet: A Complete Guide," is a breath of fresh air. It’s not a typical self-help book. It’s more like a permission slip. A really, really fun permission slip.
The Case for Digital Drift
Goldsmith argues that our time spent online isn't just mindless distraction. It's a form of exploration. It’s a way to discover new things. It’s an artistic practice, even!
Think about it. You’re not just looking at cat videos (though those have their place). You’re stumbling upon articles you’d never have found otherwise. You’re discovering new music. You’re learning about obscure historical facts.
This is the heart of his message. He doesn't want us to feel bad about the hours we pour into the digital realm. He wants us to see the value in it. It’s about embracing the serendipity of the internet.
Unlocking the "Waste"
What does Goldsmith mean by "waste time"? He’s not talking about doomscrolling or getting stuck in negative loops. He’s talking about letting your curiosity lead you. It's about following those little digital breadcrumbs.
You might start by looking up a recipe. Then you find yourself reading about the history of spices. From there, you might click on a link about ancient trade routes. Suddenly, you’re on a whirlwind tour of knowledge!
This kind of browsing is, in its own way, a creative act. It's about forging connections. It's about building your own unique mental map of the world.
"The internet is a vast, chaotic library. And you are the librarian, curator, and explorer, all at once."
Goldsmith sees this digital wandering as a modern form of artistic practice. He’s a big believer in using everyday language and experiences in art. And what’s more everyday than being online?
He encourages us to embrace this. To not shy away from it. To see the potential for discovery in every click. It’s about being present in our digital lives, not just passively consuming.
The "Complete Guide" Part
Now, about that "Complete Guide" part. It sounds official, right? But don't expect flowcharts or rigid instructions. Goldsmith's guide is more of a philosophy. It’s a way of thinking about your internet use.
He doesn't tell you what to waste time on. He tells you how to think about wasting time. He encourages you to be aware of your digital journey. To notice where your clicks take you.
It's about being intentional about your "unintentional" browsing. It’s a subtle shift in perspective. But it can be a powerful one.
Key Details, Unpacked
So, what are the key takeaways from this "guide"? Let’s break it down. It’s not about schedules or productivity hacks. It’s about attitude.
Embrace Curiosity: If something catches your eye, follow it. Don't worry about where it leads. Just go. Your brain is wired to learn and explore. The internet is its playground.
Document Your Digressions: Goldsmith suggests keeping a record of your internet adventures. Not necessarily for publication, but for your own reflection. What did you learn? What surprised you?
See the Art in It: He views the act of browsing and collecting digital detritus as an artistic process. You are gathering material. You are creating your own narrative.
Detachment from Guilt: This is the big one. Let go of the guilt. Your internet time is not inherently wasted. It's just… time. And how you spend it is up to you.
Think of it like a walk in the woods. You might not have a specific destination. You might just wander and observe. You might see a cool mushroom or a unique bird. That's valuable, even if it wasn't on your to-do list.
Goldsmith is basically saying your internet wanderings are your own personal expedition. You are the explorer. You are the discoverer. And that's pretty cool.
An Unpopular Opinion? Perhaps.
In a world obsessed with productivity, Kenneth Goldsmith’s ideas might seem a little… radical. We’re constantly told to optimize, to streamline, to get things done. The idea of intentionally "wasting time" can feel counter-cultural.
But there’s a beauty in unplanned discovery. There’s a richness in following tangents. Our brains are not machines designed for constant output. They need space to wander and connect dots.
So, the next time you find yourself lost in the digital labyrinth, don’t beat yourself up. Smile. You might just be doing some important artistic research. You might be on the verge of a fantastic discovery.
You might even be following the advice of Kenneth Goldsmith, who probably knows a thing or two about what it means to truly engage with the world, both online and off. So go ahead. Waste some time. You might be surprised by what you find.
It's not about being lazy. It's about being open. It's about being curious. And it's about recognizing the value in the things we often dismiss as mere distractions.