If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
If You Could Un-Invent Something, What Would It Be? A Soulful Reflection on Letting Go
Imagine a world where one invention never existed. Not the atomic bomb or plastic straws—those are easy targets. What if we could rewind history and erase something that quietly erodes our peace, our presence, our very souls? As someone who’s spent mornings walking at dawn, journaling by candlelight, and building a life around faith and self-discovery, I’ve pondered this deeply. Today, let’s explore: If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
My Choice: The Endless Scroll of Social Media Algorithms
I’d un-invent the dopamine-fueled algorithms that power social media feeds. Not social media itself—connection has its sacred place—but those invisible codes that hijack our attention, turning timelines into addictive slot machines. Picture this: You’re seeking inspiration, a quick scroll for motivation. Suddenly, hours vanish. The algorithm knows you better than your own heart, feeding outrage, FOMO, and fleeting highs that leave you emptier than before.
In my journey as a blogger and entrepreneur, I’ve felt this pull. Running thesoulbelievers.blog and my Amazon home décor side hustle means constant content creation—posts on modular kitchens, luxurious soap boxes, reflective prompts. But algorithms whisper, “Post more, engage more, chase the likes.” They fragment our spirits, pulling us from morning walks where clarity blooms, or quiet evenings baking bread with loved ones. Spirituality thrives in stillness; algorithms breed noise.
Why un-invent them? Because they steal time—that irreplaceable currency of the soul. Studies (like those from the Journal of Experimental Psychology) show we check phones 150+ times a day, losing 23 days a year to screens. We’re now scrolling through filtered perfection, comparing our real journeys to others’ highlights. Nostalgia hits hard: Remember flip phones and landline chats? Conversations had depth, not emojis.
The Ripple Effects: A World Reclaimed
Envision life without them. Mornings unfold unhurried—no notification pings shattering your meditation. Creativity surges as minds wander freely, birthing ideas for blogs, businesses, or heartfelt letters. Relationships deepen; we’d call friends instead of liking their stories. Entrepreneurs like me could focus on real value—crafting eco-friendly kitchen designs or sourcing thoughtfully without the distraction of viral trends.
Spiritually, we’d reclaim presence. Ancient wisdom echoes: “Perform your duty equipoised… abandoning all attachment to success or failure.” Algorithms attach us to validation, but without them, we’d live unattached, souls aligned with purpose. Personal development becomes effortless—more reading, reflecting, walking those paths where divine insights whisper.
Of course, not everyone agrees. Social media democratizes voices, builds communities (like my Facebook groups for soulful living). But the algorithm? It’s the shadow side, amplifying division over unity.
Other Contenders: What the World Might Erase
Curious about collective wisdom? Here’s what others often name:
- The Snooze Button: That deceptive 9-minute illusion robs mornings of intention, chaining us to rushed days.
- Single-Use Plastics: Beyond environment, they symbolize disposability in a world craving mindful consumption.
- Email: Overload drowns deep work; imagine letters again, thoughtful and sparse.
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup: The hidden saboteur of health, fueling empty calories over soul-nourishing meals.
What unites these? They all fragment our wholeness—body, mind, spirit.
A Call to Un-Invent in Your Own Life
We can’t erase inventions, but we can un-invent their hold on us. Start small: Delete one app today. Set phone-free zones during walks or journaling. Build rituals that honor your soul—perhaps a gratitude practice or baking session inspired by nostalgic recipes. Incorporate personal growth habits like daily reflection prompts to reclaim your time.
If you could un-invent something, what would it be? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a soulful conversation. Share this if it resonates, and subscribe for more reflections on living intentionally. Your presence here fuels my journey; thank you.
Namaste. Let’s believe in the soul’s quiet power.

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