[xkcd] (Lack of) Insight

xkcd – By Randall Munroe – http://xkcd.com

Transcript

• Maybe before we rush to adopt <Google Glass> we should stop to consider the consequences of blithely giving this technology such a central position in our lives
• Don’t have any insights about a new technology? Just use this sentence! It makes you sound wise and you can say it about virtually anything.

Vocabulary

1. to rush (v.) /rʌʃ/ to go or do something very quickly
2. to adopt /əˈdɒpt/ (here:) to accept or start to use something new
3. Google Glass is a product that Google is developing. It is still not available for the general public yet. Basically, what it does is that it puts all the functions of a smartphone into some glasses can wear. Many people are concerned about the protection of the users’ personal lives.
4. to consider (v.) /kənˈsɪd.ər/ to spend time thinking about a possibility or making a decision:
5. blithely (adv.) /blaɪðli/ happily and without worry (note: this word is not very frequent)
6. insight (n.) /ˈɪn.saɪt/ (the ability to have) a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation
7. wise (adj.) /waɪz/ having or showing the ability to make good judgments, based on a deep understanding and experience of life
8. virtually (adv.) /ˈvɜː.tju.ə.li/ almost

Context

• Notice that the first sentence is like a formula. Speakers can put the name of any new technology they want in between < … > (Google Glass in this instance).