Is Google replacing God?
March 5th, 2010by hokie
Now before you start yelling ‘HERETIC!’ at your computer’s monitor, hear me out. I’ve been recently reading a book called, “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” by Bill Bryson. The book is about his childhood in a 1950s American Midwest. One specific part of the book that really struck me was his explanation of lying. He would say something that he swore he read or heard about somewhere, and the brain in his group of friends would say, “That’s not right Billy.” Bryson would continue to insist that his facts were all in order. If the resident nerd would not relent, he explains, all one would have to do is utter the following hallowed words, and the discussion would be over.
“I swear to God.”
Apparently, once these words crossed your lips, all doubts would be cast away. Because really, who in their right mind would risk eternal damnation just to solidify an insignificant, perhaps erroneous, statement?
Flash forward sixty-ish years to March 4th, 2010. I find myself in a local bar, enjoying a delicious adult beverage and being entertained by San Diego comedian Billy Bonnell. At some point, he mentions his love for technology, and included in that realm, Google. Though, he’s quick to admit, it has put a damper on his ability to lie in a conversation. With Google on every phone, he explains, it’s easy for friends and strangers alike to call him out on his bullshitting. It’s gotten to such a point, he continues, that all one has to do now, if caught in a slight exaggeration or full out lie, is utter one phrase.
“If you don’t believe me, just Google it.”
To this, most people respond, “Ok. Ok. We believe you, man.” Because really, who in their right mind would suggest searching one of the most knowledgeable databases in existence just to solidify an insignificant, perhaps erroneous, statement?
March 5th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
trick question! Google is God!