I've had a few unformed thoughts about machines and technology I wanted to explore.

I am also curious about the idea of cherishing a machine, such as an old car, a sewing machine, a favorite typewriter or motorcycle.

To me there exists a difference between machines requiring human hands to operate and modern technology that is simply interfaced with, and ultimately this affects how we cherish these items.

My thoughts center around the notion that we foster a relationship with machines, through a physical or tactile bond. The longer we use these objects the more we learn about their idiosyncrasies.

For example, the more I ride my motorcycle, I learn the difference a sixteenth of an inch makes in my carburetor's choke. My typewriter has a sticky "R" key, and I've had to learn its fickle nature. Additionally, there exists a reciprocal relationship, one in which we believe that if we take care of our machines, they will in turn take better care of us. And we cherish these machines as they get older and we learn the nuances inherent with these forged pieces of machinery.

Does this translate to modern technology? I'm not sure. We have crushes on our technology, but we don't cherish them. We only want perfection in technology. My iPad is only great when it works perfectly and we have little patience for idiosyncrasies. When the LTE stutters, or a call on my phone drops, my fists clench in technological rage. And unlike machines, we no longer invest in bettering our technology, we quickly dispose of the past in favor of the next iteration. Cherish is ephemeral in concept and things no longer age - they don't have time to patina.

I suppose part of cherishing is to appreciate idiosyncrasy, not perfection.

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