Beware Interesting

In The Not To-Do List, Rolf Dobelli rightfully cautions against the trap of content. Content is the mainstream drug of our times. [. . .] Here, you’ll have the illusion of being productive – you are broadening your horizons, after all. [. . .] ‘Interesting’ is one of the most dangerous words in this context. Yes, we know, everything is interesting! Rolf Dobelli, The Not To-Do List, chapter 52 – Fall into the Content Trap. Everything is interesting. That is the problem, isn’t it? Interesting is not an inherent feature of a thing; it is entirely a matter of perspective. If something is interesting then it is that way because it is interesting to someone. That’s it. So, in a way, you think something is interesting, because you are interested in it. Years ago my wife and I were road-tripping. I recall an exchange that went something like this: Her: Hey, see that sign? Some kind of wildlife museum. You think it’s interesting? Me: Hm. I think it depends. It is if you’re interested. Her:…