Computing Beyond Obsolescence: Finding Meaning and Freedom in Technology That Lasts
If you’ve been following along, this post picks up where Building a Meaningful Engineering Project left off. There, I shared why I chose a project that reflects my values around longevity, repairability, and autonomy. Here, I want to dig deeper into the philosophy that’s shaping both my engineering and my relationship with technology.
Understanding these values isn’t just background—it’s essential for grasping the kind of project I’m building. The choices I make, the features I prioritize, and even the way I approach development all flow from this foundation. If you’re curious about the “what” and “how,” it’s worth pausing here to consider the “why.” This context will make the project itself—and the decisions behind it—much clearer as the series unfolds.
Rethinking Progress and Obsolescence
We live in a world where progress is measured by what’s new—the latest phone, the fastest laptop, the next big thing. But after years in tech, I started to wonder: what if the real progress is learning to make things last?
The constant push to upgrade isn’t just expensive—it’s exhausting. Perfectly good machines are left behind, not because they’re broken, but because they’re no longer “enough” for someone else’s definition of productivity. I realized I didn’t want to play that game anymore.
It took a while to break out of that mindset. The pressure to keep up is everywhere, and it’s easy to feel left behind if you’re not always reaching for the next big thing. But the more I questioned it, the more I saw the value in slowing down and making the most of what I already had.
Discovering Permacomputing
That’s when I discovered the idea of permacomputing—a philosophy that values longevity, repairability, and autonomy over endless consumption. It’s about asking, “What do I really need?” and “How can I make my tools serve me, not the other way around?” Suddenly, the goal wasn’t to have the shiniest setup, but the most resilient and meaningful one.
Permacomputing isn’t just a technical approach—it’s a mindset shift. It invites you to see your devices as companions on a long journey, not disposable gadgets. The more I learned, the more I wanted to build a digital life that reflected these values, even if it meant swimming against the current.
Living with Technology That Lasts
Choosing this path has changed how I work and how I feel about my tools. There’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing I can repair, upgrade, and truly understand my machines. I spend less time chasing specs and more time building things that matter. My workflow is calmer, my footprint is smaller, and my sense of ownership is stronger.
This isn’t about nostalgia or rejecting innovation. It’s about redefining enough—finding freedom in what you already have, and building systems that last. If you’re tired of the upgrade treadmill, maybe it’s time to ask: what could you accomplish if you stopped chasing “new” and started investing in “enough”?
Looking Ahead: Values in Practice
These ideas aren’t just personal philosophy—they’re shaping the engineering project I’m building during this sabbatical. Next, I’ll reveal what I’m actually building and how permacomputing principles translate into practical software architecture.
If you’re here for the “why,” I hope this gives you something to think about the next time you’re tempted by the latest release. Maybe the next upgrade you skip will be the first step toward a more intentional, resilient relationship with your technology.