Don't get me wrong: I can and do waste time on the Internet with the best of them, but in some respects, I am an embarrassingly analog guy. I am not on Facebook. I write whole books on yellow legal pads. I do not own a cell phone.

In this quote, Jonathan Dee humorously contrasts his analog lifestyle with the increasingly digital world around him. While he acknowledges that he, like many people, spends time on the Internet, he makes it clear that in certain aspects of his life, he remains decidedly old-fashioned. Dee’s reference to not being on Facebook, writing books on yellow legal pads, and not owning a cell phone highlights his preference for more traditional, non-digital ways of living and working, despite the prevalence of technology in modern life.

Dee’s use of the phrase "embarrassingly analog guy" suggests a level of self-awareness and perhaps a slight discomfort with how out-of-step his habits are with the digital age. This statement reflects a broader cultural tension between digital convenience and a desire for more intangible or personal experiences. By choosing to work in ways that are less efficient or more disconnected from the digital world, Dee is making a point about the value of slowing down and embracing older, perhaps more intimate practices.

The origin of this quote is found in Dee’s reflections on his personal habits, which he openly shares in his writing. As a novelist and essayist, Dee often explores themes related to technology, social change, and personal identity. His candidness about his resistance to digital culture highlights his individualistic approach to living in an age where constant connectivity is the norm.

Ultimately, Dee’s quote speaks to the challenges and pleasures of navigating a world that is increasingly digital while holding on to more analog ways of engaging with the world. It suggests a conscious choice to reject some aspects of the digital revolution in favor of a slower, more focused existence, one that values personal engagement over digital convenience.