My parents were kind of like me in that they had tons and tons of weird, amazing stuff

My parents were kind of like me in that they had tons and tons of weird, amazing stuff

Jaron Lanier, a renowned computer scientist and author, is known for his innovative thinking and unique perspective on technology and society. Growing up, Lanier was surrounded by a family that shared his love for collecting strange and wonderful objects. In his memoir, Lanier reflects on how his parents were kind of like him in that they had tons and tons of weird, amazing stuff.

Lanier's parents were both artists, and their home was filled with an eclectic mix of art, books, and artifacts from around the world. They had a passion for collecting unusual and interesting items, and their home was like a treasure trove of curiosities. Lanier recalls spending hours exploring their collection, marveling at the strange and beautiful objects that filled every corner of their house.

This environment had a profound impact on Lanier, shaping his own interests and passions. He learned to appreciate the beauty and value of things that were outside the mainstream, and he developed a keen eye for the unusual and unexpected. This early exposure to a world of creativity and imagination fueled his own creative pursuits and inspired him to think differently about the world around him.

Lanier's parents also instilled in him a sense of curiosity and wonder, encouraging him to explore and discover new things. They taught him to be open-minded and to embrace the unknown, fostering a spirit of adventure and discovery that would stay with him throughout his life. Their love of weird and amazing stuff was infectious, and Lanier found himself drawn to the same kinds of objects and ideas that had captivated his parents.

In many ways, Lanier's upbringing laid the foundation for his later work as a computer scientist and thinker. His parents' eclectic collection of oddities and curiosities sparked his imagination and fueled his creativity, shaping the way he approached his research and his writing. Their influence can be seen in his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and explore new ideas, as well as in his appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around him.