“The problem with the world today is that there’s so much information—so much that we don’t pay attention.”
– Clement H. Holloway
Meaning
We live in a world where information is abundant and accessible like never before. With just a few clicks, we can learn about anything under the sun. But this access has come with an unforeseen downside: we’re so overwhelmed with information that we’ve stopped paying attention.
In the constant flood of news, updates, and notifications, our minds are pulled in countless directions. We skim headlines instead of diving deep. We scroll endlessly, consuming bite-sized chunks of content without taking the time to process or reflect. This information overload leaves us distracted, disconnected, and often misinformed.
The problem isn’t the availability of information—it’s our ability to focus. Attention has become a scarce resource in the age of abundance. Social media algorithms, 24/7 news cycles, and the pressure to stay “in the know” all compete for our mental bandwidth. As a result, we lose the ability to prioritise what truly matters.
This quote serves as a wake-up call. It reminds us to reclaim our focus, to be intentional about what we consume, and to resist the urge to drown in the noise. Instead of seeking more information, we should seek deeper understanding. By doing so, we can transform the overwhelming stream of data into meaningful insights that enrich our lives.
In a world obsessed with quantity, let’s prioritise quality. Let’s choose to pay attention—to the people, ideas, and stories that truly matter.