Worker As Futurist; Writers of "The World After Amazon."
The Worker as Futurist Project is an initiative from 2023 that supported 13 rank-and-file Amazon workers to write short, speculative fiction about The World After Amazon. We interviewed four of the worker-writers for this special extensive edition. Their names are featured as they are in the book.
APOSSIBLE™ is a non-profit bringing psychologists, technologists, artists and creatives together to explore how technology can better support creativity and human fulfillment. In this ongoing interview series we’re discovering what people value, what makes their lives fulfilling, and what kinds of relationships to technology they already cherish.
1. What is a ritual, practice, or routine in your life that is important for your psychological wellbeing and/or fulfillment? Why?
Pearl Cecil Sigur Ramsey:
Faith in Christ is the cornerstone of wellness for me. It keeps me grounded in service. It doesn't seem like much but, service gives your life meaning. It also puts your gifts and experiences in perspective. Wellness is where one's spiritual, psychological, and emotional habits are working in harmony.
One doesn't really live in isolation. My psychological, emotional, spiritual wellbeing all stem from the same place, a comprehensive sense of wellness, even the simple action of drinking water regularly.
Though it is something that I had to put into practice in order to manage, because I didn't really like the taste of water. I purchased canisters that would give measurements to ensure daily amounts recommended were consumed. It helped. Having visual markers gave me greater incentive to finish all the water.
Consistency is my practice because it is the only way to truly gage results. Consistency, either way, yields fruit. So, consistency is the practice that fuels any habits that I want to grow.
Anneth Chepkoech:
The rituals or rather the practices that has really promoted my psychological wellbeing is taking part in creative activities such as music and writing.
I purposely love writing cause it really gives me an opportunity to express my feelings, thoughts and how I even vision things.
Social connection between my family and friends, I am a very outspoken person who greatly believe in mutual association and healthy relationships.
I love new friends, the feeling accompanied by meeting a new person is unmeasurable.
Psychologically, there's a cognitive dimensions of psychology and concerning my routine, healthy eating and quality sleep greatly impact its cognitive function, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing.
Dartagnan:
I’m actually a magician by trade. And in the interim I was learning about writing. I finally wrote a book about magic, about performance magic, and what I think is missing from that, and it was these deeper ideas of humanity.
So, while doing that, I read a lot; I thought short stories was a very efficient way to take in good writing, or to try to suss out what good writing might be. And so I started reading short stories every single day. It’s a practice that I first heard about from a comedian, which was; mark off on a calendar every day that you are successful with writing. And so I did that with the short stories and I never really did it with the writing because I didn't have a problem with that, necessarily. I didn't have to motivate myself, that was almost automatic. But the short story reading I had to remind myself to do it.
And then last year I started to apply that to drawing. I wanted to possibly illustrate the short stories I was writing. I thought about getting an illustrator but then I said, well, maybe I have time to do it myself. It might take another year and a half or so before the story is ready. So I have time to learn and see how far I can get. So I just did it the same way; drew every day. I started in May of last year and by September, people were asking me to teach them how to draw. It’s really this old adage where we overestimate how much can be accomplished in a short period of time, but you underestimate how much can be accomplished in, say, a year or eight months or something like that. It's that Kaizen principle, the 1%, everyday kind of thing.
There's just a sense of accomplishment, especially when I do daily drawings. But there’s also a driving motivation to it because you're not finished though. Because I know what level I want it to be at and I don't despair that it's not there yet. Because I realise there’s a process to it. And so you're gonna suck at the beginning and then it's gonna be a little bit better and then it’s probably gonna dip. It’s not just gonna be some linear rocketship. So why do I practice these things? Because they're hard. If it's easy, anyone can do it. And who wants to do that?
Jordan (Worker 2 in the book):
One important ritual is my daily meditation routine. I usually dedicate 20 minutes each morning to practice meditation. This practice helps me in clearing my mind and being calm through out the day.
This ritual contributes to my life by making me be composed therefore starting the day with a clear and composed mindset.
Its ability to create mindfulness and present moment awareness [makes it valuable to me]. This plays a major role in improving my mental health.
This practice teaches us that human fulfillment often stems from regular self-care routines that promote mental clarity and emotional stability. It highlights the importance of dedicating time for self-reflection and stress management to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
2. What is a human-made creation that brings out the best in you? Why?
Pearl Cecil Sigur Ramsey:
My mattress. I’m so serious. Those naps in Pre-School were a game changer. I know it doesn't sound revolutionary, but naps are underrated, and our social vices have us in a stronghold of restlessness. God resting on the 7th day in the story of creation is like a blueprint to happiness. Remember the sabbath and keep it holy.
Seasons are an important reminder that the Earth needs to replenish itself, as do we. Rest is fundamental physics and intrinsic intelligence. It’s the one thing that we all need but, very few of us invest in the technology that aids in its highest quality; a good mattress.
Anneth Chepkoech:
One human-made creation that brings out the best in me is literature. Literature encompasses a wide range of written works, including novels, poems, essays, and plays.
Literature allows me to explore diverse perspectives, experiences, and emotions, expanding my understanding of the human condition. It stimulates my imagination, empathy, and creativity, enabling me to connect with characters and narratives on a deep emotional level.
Moreover, literature often serves as a medium for profound insights into life, society, and human nature. Through reading and analyzing literary works, I can gain valuable wisdom, knowledge, and perspective.
Dartagnan:
I would choose something very simple, which I only learned about more recently when drawing with charcoal sticks. They're basically just sticks from various trees, that were then put into a kiln and then they can be used to draw with.
Something as simple as that. And the qualities of charcoal are so interesting to me because it feels like painting more so than like drawing. It's very fleeting, if you want it to be, you don't really even need to erase it often, you can just brush it aside if you're not happy with what's happening.
I like that there's an ethereal quality once you lay it down on the paper too. It's got this magical, whimsical look to it, where it's not a photograph, but it is a representation. Perhaps of something in somebody's face, or a portrait, but it hopefully captures some of their essence in a sort of ethereal way which gives you a sense of who they are.
Jordan (Worker 2 in the book):
A human-made creation that brings out the best in me is my acoustic guitar. This instrument allows me to express myself creatively and emotionally in ways that other activities do not.
Playing the guitar calls forth qualities such as creativity, patience, and discipline. It encourages me to explore new melodies and compositions, fostering a deep sense of artistic fulfillment.
Playing the guitar awakens a state of flow, where I am completely absorbed in the music. It brings a sense of calm, joy, and satisfaction, helping me to unwind and reconnect with my inner self.
The guitar empowers me to express my emotions and thoughts through music. This form of expression allows me to communicate feelings that might be difficult to articulate in words, highlighting my creativity and emotional depth.
We can learn that human fulfillment often comes from engaging in creative activities that allow for self-expression and emotional release. Technologies that support and enhance artistic endeavors, such as music composition software, online lessons, and recording tools, can help individuals tap into their creative potential and find personal satisfaction and growth.
3. When do you cherish the slow or hard way of doing something? Why?
Pearl Cecil Sigur Ramsey:
One, Cooking. I prefer to cook. I no longer own a microwave (by choice). The slow rising heat of fire to the surrounded elements makes all the difference in the way herbs, spices, and vegetables, unlock their nutrients and aromas. There’s a reason meals bring people together. The olfactory senses have the greatest connection to memory than any of our senses.
And two, weeding. I don't use any insecticides or pesticides in my gardens. I remove unwanted weeds by their roots. It takes more time, but is much more gratifying. Patience has certainly become a virtue. I have learned so much more about the plants that we call weeds, nature and myself. Many weeds have a lot of medicinal properties, are essential to the biodiversity in each climate, and the millions of organisms that exist in our environments. The nutrients in the soil directly impact our food sources and there’s a bacterium that comes from mycobacterium vaccae, a soil-derived bacterium with stress resilience properties that triggers the release of serotonin in our brain. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system. So, playing in the dirt is actually not just for children. I highly recommend.
Anneth Chepkoech:
I cherish the slow or hard way of doing something when it allows for deeper learning, growth, and appreciation of the process. Sometimes, taking the slow or hard route forces me to be more patient, persistent, and resourceful, which can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in the end.
Additionally, overcoming challenges or obstacles through the slow or hard way often results in a stronger sense of resilience and self-confidence. It teaches me important lessons about perseverance, problem-solving, and resilience, which can be applied to future endeavors.
Dartagnan:
That's what life's about. There has to be a contrast to things. How we see is a contrast; if there was no light we couldn't see. Try just doing the easiest possible things for a while and see how that works out for you. It's not only not gonna make you better at whatever you're doing. But it's an unfulfilling way to live.
Of course, we all have our individual demons and our past and traumas, maybe we've gotten injured and stuff like that. And a lot of people are reticent to dig into that. I think we tend to avoid those things. Because who would want to hear about that? But I think that's why they say everyone has at least one book in them, is because of that kind of stuff. You've got to get that stuff out. And I know working with other magicians, since I've been teaching and writing books about it, that they're much more interested in the tricks and the vacuous nature of just surprising people. The “how did you do that,” instead of digging into something more meaningful. Because you can use all that stuff, and channel it into something that's going to leave people changed after they see that performance. That’s the same with writing, drawing, anything. It's very hard to dig into those things. Undoubtedly. And it's natural to want to avoid that, but once you get into that there's nothing more rewarding and then it helps you recover as well.
I wrote a short story when my father passed away last year. He had a long, long bout with dementia. I had an idea for a short story where I was like, Oh, this is exactly what I want to talk about. And so you're channeling those emotions into those stories and then you're sharing that with other people and eventually, hopefully, when it comes out or when you show it to people, then they are hopefully changed as well. Because it's easy to make a story entertaining, to use funny turns of phrase, to stylistically bend it into genres. What's much harder to do, though, and what the best people who communicate do, is there's always a lesson in there. About; Why am I even telling you this? Why am I showing you these magic tricks? Why am I playing this song? Because I'm trying to connect with you as a human being.
There's nothing more psychologically satisfying to see people walk away with the emotional resonance of what you've been trying to get at. And so I think that's why it's a hard thing to do. And to get good at Craft is hard. But like, that's just what life's about.
Jordan (Worker 2 in the book):
I cherish the slow and hard way of preparing meals from scratch. Instead of opting for pre-packaged or fast food, I enjoy taking the time to cook with fresh ingredients.
I embrace this slower approach when cooking because it allows me to connect with the food I am making and the people I am cooking for.
I willingly sacrifice convenience and comfort to experience the process of creating something nutritious and delicious from raw ingredients. This act of cooking is both a creative and nurturing endeavor.
The slower approach offers a sense of accomplishment and mindfulness. It turns cooking into a meditative practice that engages all the senses and brings joy and satisfaction.
We can learn that human fulfillment often comes from engaging fully in processes that require effort and attention. Technologies that support slow living, such as apps for recipe sharing or tools for gardening, can help individuals find joy and satisfaction in more deliberate and mindful activities.
4. What is something you appreciate or long for from the past? Why?
Pearl Cecil Sigur Ramsey:
I really do miss quality food, and the types of engagements borne from the preparations of a home cooked meal. In my culture, having Friday and Sunday dinners together created an internal anticipation around a meal that we enjoyed; trips to the fish market, cutting up the vegetables, measuring the ingredients, cutting the meats, setting the table, washing the dishes, and the stories passed down that accompanied such familial traditions. Being fully ensconced in an environment of time and timelessness.
We don’t have the same traditions anymore due to factors beyond our immediate control. Things were changing before we discerned what was happening. I imagine that's true in most of the world. Amazon as an ideology has been happening long before it came to fruition. We have so many options that are considered faster food or food that’s made more quickly than fresh food. Often times it is interpreted to mean that someone else cooking will give more time for other tasks or that the food being served is nourishment. Neither is true, unfortunately.
The mindset and consciousness that once was available to sit, and rest, and be together is not necessarily the same because we are being distracted, and the rapidly growing list of sicknesses and dis-ease is evidence of a world that's not present to their own demise.
I think that the premise of any and all technology should be to bring people together, connection. It doesn't have to be that a person who's inventing a technological advancement needs to have connection as their aim. But, synergy should be observed in its mechanisms. Whether it be the root systems in the soil, minerally dense water, a good mattress, or nutritionally rich meal, technology should create wellness that nurtures and fosters life. Humans effect everything we touch positively or negatively. Whatever comes of our world, human beings are the greatest technology ever created that directly contributes to what our world becomes.
Anneth Chepkoech:
I genuinely appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of communication from the past. Before the digital age or the current generation conversations often felt more genuine and focused. There were fewer distractions, allowing for deeper connections and meaningful interactions.
There were more genuine friendship than today.
Machines have been greatly used to replace human labour causing a lot of unemployment among the youths, exposure to heavy and harmful machines.Wish we could go back to appreciative nature of human labour.
Recall the Agrarian society.
Dartagnan:
I saw the original Star Wars film in a movie theatre, in the small town I grew up in of maybe 10,000 people. And from what I've gathered is that George Lucas, in the time leading up to when he made that original film, that he felt people were unsupported, that there was a sense of a loss of community. So he wanted to create that sort of modern fairy tale. And I feel like some of the more modern Star Wars films have lost that idea. Now it's more about lightsaber fights or explosions or battles and it's not about the human element.
All stories are just about human beings, whether you put them in space, or you turn them into animals, or whatever, it's all about our own condition. And so, I long for more storytelling like that. Another person I’m a big fan of the Rod Serling with Twilight Zone. You watch the Twilight Zone and there's always a lesson to take away. That type of storytelling is being lost now. And it's not good for society. Also in the way we experience those stories. We’ve gone from being in movie theaters, to being at home streaming, where you're watching with maybe one other two other people at most. And often, with none. It should be communal. People would gather around the campfire then that became the theatre stage and then that became movie theaters. Where is that now?
I think it was Marshall McLuhan who said our morals are attached to the physical world. Because for all our evolution we’ve had a physical body and dealt with physical people. If you did something nefarious or evil, there’s this person in front of you that will suffer with physical effects that you can see and witness. Now, when you become an electronic thing, flipping around the whole globe, you don't get that anymore. You see that a lot on places like Twitter where everyone's anonymous to some degree. And the context of everything is skewed, because you're not sure is this person trying to be funny, or is this a serious conversation? So it's a real problem. And as a result, the empathy is taking a massive hit.
Jordan (Worker 2 in the book):
Something I appreciate from the past is the practice of handwritten letters. In an age dominated by instant messaging and emails, the art of writing letters has become almost extinct.
I appreciate handwritten letters because they convey a sense of personal touch and thoughtfulness that digital communication often lacks. The effort involved in writing, sealing, and mailing a letter makes the message more meaningful.
We can learn that human fulfillment often comes from tangible, personal interactions that technology sometimes overshadows. Technologies that facilitate deeper, more thoughtful communication—such as personalized stationary services or digital platforms that encourage long-form writing—can help preserve the personal touch in our interactions.