I loathe computers more and more, so I have one I can shut down and shelve like a book.

In this quote, Will Self expresses a growing disdain for computers and modern technology. His use of the phrase, "I loathe computers more and more," conveys his increasing frustration with the pervasive nature of technology in our daily lives. The second part of the quote, "so I have one I can shut down and shelve like a book," suggests that Self prefers to maintain some level of control over his interaction with technology. Unlike the ever-present, always-on nature of modern devices, he desires a tool that he can disconnect from easily, much like putting away a book after use.

The quote also emphasizes the tension between technology and human interaction, which has been a recurring theme in discussions about the digital age. Self’s comparison of a computer to a book suggests that he longs for a simpler, more intentional way of interacting with information—one that doesn’t demand constant attention or engagement. In his view, computers are increasingly intrusive and overwhelming, and he seems to crave a return to a more analog approach where one can disconnect without the complexity of digital systems.

The origin of this quote comes from Will Self, a British author known for his critical views on contemporary society and technology. Self’s works often delve into themes of modernity, psychology, and the impact of technology on human life. His comment reflects his ongoing critique of how technology shapes and sometimes dominates human behavior, especially in an era where people are constantly connected and rarely able to escape the grip of the digital world. Through this quote, Self reveals his personal discomfort with the digital age and his desire for a more controlled and less intrusive relationship with technology.