The Beauty of Friction

AI is teaching us to live without resistance — and forgetting that friction is where meaning begins

Edward Hopper (American, 1882–1967). Nighthawks, 1942. Oil on canvas. The Art Institute of Chicago.

There’s a particular fantasy that keeps showing up in our culture: the fantasy of frictionlessness. The belief that if we remove enough obstacles, life will finally glide. No waiting in line. No awkward small talk. No irritation or delay. Just a perfect, s…