Taya Bigpond

Professor Hammett

English 1302

A Look at Distracted Driving Through the Lens of an Absurdist Author

 

Samuel Beckett was an absurdist novelist who wrote about habits and often wrote about the passage of time.  He is best known for his play "Waiting for Godot," which explores the themes of existentialism and the human condition through the characters' repetitive and meaningless actions. His work often deals with themes of despair, futility, and the struggle for meaning in a world that seems devoid of purpose. In this essay, I will explore what Beckett might have thought about the problem of distracted driving and how his philosophy can help us understand this dangerous and all-too-common phenomenon. He had a variety of theories about time. Beckett's philosophy of time can shed light on how distracted driving disrupts our perception of time and the present moment. By examining his ideas, we can gain a deeper understanding of the psychological and existential implications of this issue. Such as the inevitability of time. 

Comparably, this can relate to the distraction of teens and how they will inevitably get on their phones while driving at some point in time Beckett's views on time can also be seen in his play "Waiting for Godot," where the characters are stuck in a state of waiting and uncertainty, highlighting the fleeting nature of time and the human condition. Similarly, distracted driving can lead to unpredictable and potentially life-altering consequences, emphasizing the importance of being present and focused while behind the wheel. Just as the characters in Waiting for Godot are unable to control the passage of time, distracted drivers are also at the mercy of unforeseen circumstances that can arise on the road. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize safety and minimize distractions while driving. One of Samuel Becket's lines reads, "Habit is a great deadener" (Yoshimura ).

 Considering that he believed that habits lead to downfall, he would agree that having the habit of being on your phone every time it dings would lead to one's downfall, and therefore, he would be against distracted driving. Beckett's philosophy suggests that breaking away from habitual patterns is necessary for personal growth and progress. Therefore, he would advocate for safe driving practices that require drivers to stay focused and avoid distractions. Beckett's work is characterized by a deep sense of existential despair and a rejection of the idea that life has inherent meaning or purpose. His characters often grapple with feelings of isolation and alienation and struggle to find any sense of connection or significance in the world around them. “Beckett belongs with such authors as Proust and Kafka, for whom the deadly isolation of individuality precludes communication in terms of conventional surface!”  ( Richard M. Eastman ) In this context, it seems likely that Beckett would have been deeply opposed to distracted driving, which represents a dangerous and reckless disregard for the value of human life. By engaging in activities like texting, browsing social media, or even simply daydreaming behind the wheel, drivers are putting themselves and others at risk and prioritizing their own convenience or entertainment over the safety of those around them. For Beckett, this kind of behavior would represent a profound failure to engage with the world in a meaningful way and a rejection of the responsibility we all have to care for one another. Based on his work and philosophy, he was generally concerned with the human condition and the challenges that we face in life. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents and injuries, which can have a profound impact on people's lives. Given Beckett's interest in human suffering and the human condition, it's possible that he would have been against distracted driving as a way to reduce the risks and consequences of these accidents. “His literary and theatrical work features bleak, impersonal, and tragicomic experiences of life, often coupled with black comedy and nonsense. His work became increasingly minimalist as his career progressed, involving more aesthetic and linguistic experimentation, with techniques of repetition and self-reference.” ( Beckett) Beckett's perspective highlights the importance of being present and responsible while driving, as it is not only a personal choice but also a social one that affects everyone on the road. Therefore, drivers should prioritize safety over distractions and engage with the world in a way that reflects their duty to protect themselves and others. Isolation and despair are frequent themes in Beckett's writings, which can be seen as reflections of the human condition. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that he would have seen distracted driving as a symptom rather than a treatment for this condition.

In conclusion, Samuel Beckett's philosophy of existential despair and his emphasis on the importance of human connection and responsibility make it likely that he would have been strongly opposed to distracted driving. “This thesis carries out an analysis of the plays by Samuel Beckett, Endgame and Happy Days. It achieves this by exploring how the playwright’s characterization, setting and use of language in these plays display his tendency to employ some existentialist concepts such as despair, anxiety and thrownness on the way to authenticity.” ( Tan) By engaging in these dangerous behaviors, drivers are not only putting themselves at risk but also endangering the lives of others and rejecting their responsibility to care for one another. It is important for drivers to recognize the gravity of their actions and prioritize safety on the road. By doing so, they can contribute to a more responsible and caring society. For Beckett, this kind of behavior represents a profound failure to engage with the world in a meaningful way and a rejection of the values of connection, responsibility, and compassion that he believed were essential to the human experience. Beckett believed that engaging with the world in a meaningful way and embracing values such as connection, responsibility, and compassion were crucial to being human. Therefore, individuals who contribute to a more responsible and caring society are embodying these values and fulfilling their role as members of humanity.Beckett's belief in the importance of connection, responsibility, and compassion is reflected in his works, which often explore themes of isolation and alienation. He believed that by rejecting these values, individuals were ultimately denying themselves the opportunity for genuine human connection and fulfillment.