Since conscious attention
is what it means to be human,
what do we spend
that precious resource on?

The incessant enslavement
to our devices,
the zoning out
in front of screens,
the tepid satisfaction
of fleetingly fickle desires,
the exhausting expectation
of instantaneous communication,
the unabated, anesthetizing overwhelm
of the negative news cycle
citing one corruption after another,
along with the blithe and idiotic
ravaging of the very nature
we depend on?

We delegate robots and AI
to do our work for us
so we can focus
our attention on… what?
“Progress” seems to imply
we need to spend
less and less attention
on the process of living.
But is that for the best?

What do we actually need
to use this unique capacity on?
Our cultivation of being,
the sharpening of
our objective analysis,
deepening our understanding,
examining our motives and thoughts,
discovering reasoned solutions,
focusing on the expansion
of our good character,
infusing it with integrity,
and scrupulous trustworthiness,
which compounds to peace,
stewardship, and sustainability,
as well as the thrilling propulsion
toward transcendent fulfillment,
and the contemplative creation
of meaning and beauty…

This is what our
profound access
to rapt attention
can provide
due to our singular human power,
exercising alert mindfulness,
quietude, and rapturous noticing.

Don’t go dull and numb;
please guard against overlooking,
ignoring our best hope:
your own devout attention.

Polly Castor
7/15/26