The Imbecile's Claim on the Thinker

I'm noticing a pattern in dealing with non-technical people. It is that whenever there's a technical problem, the nearest techie is not only expected to fix the problem, but is somehow to blame for it. Do you know what I'm talking about?

If you're a "techie", then I have no doubt that you've encountered this kind of situation. But have you ever wondered why this happens?

There's a reason non-techies are the way they are, and it has nothing to do with technology. When confronted with any sort of problem, one has a basic choice: to think or not. The non-techies are simply more likely to choose the latter. Thinking requires time and effort. After all, the reason why we techies have jobs is that people are willing to pay us to do the technical thinking for them.

That's all well and good, but there's something more. There's the implication that those ignorant of technology have some sort of claim on the effort of those who aren't. That whenever a computer "doesn't work", the nearest "computer person" has a duty to remedy the situation. Usually immediately, and at no charge.

People who feel this way are those who view technology as, not something to be exploited, but something alien to be tolerated, imposed on them against their will by the techies. These are the people who have made a habit out of not thinking, and have gotten away with it. Not having had to think much before, they become frustrated with the impotence of their own minds and lash out at the nearest person who embodies that which they lack. There is a name for this emotion. It is envy.

But again, this hasn't anything to do with technology. This sort of mind is frustrated by life in general, viewing reality itself as something alien to be tolerated, imposed on them against their will by some malevolent force. To such a mind, having to live by one's own effort and think on one's own is an intolerable burden.