Cancel That

Summary

The author discusses the concept of a "Control-Z" function for life, proposing that individuals be granted a limited number of opportunities to undo regrettable actions or decisions.

Abstract

The article titled "Cancel That" reflects on the utility of the "Control-Z" keyboard shortcut, commonly used to undo mistakes on a computer. The author humorously suggests that life would benefit from having a similar undo function, allowing people to reverse significant life decisions such as deleting a file, making a bad relationship choice, or even undoing the outcome of an election. The proposal includes a limit of five undos from birth, with the possibility of earning up to five more through good deeds, and a stipulation that the undo must be enacted within 24 hours to prevent chaos. The author emphasizes the value of such a function in rectifying unintended consequences and presents it as a universal wish.

Opinions

The author believes that the "Control-Z" function is incredibly useful and wishes for a similar mechanism in real life.
There is an opinion that the ability to undo actions should be limited to prevent abuse and maintain order (suggesting five undos at birth with a maximum of ten in a lifetime).
The author expresses that a time limit (proposed as 24 hours) is necessary for the practical application of life's "Control-Z" to avoid long-term disruptions.
The article conveys a whimsical yet earnest desire for the power to reverse life's mistakes, suggesting that such a capability would lead to a better world.
The author playfully applies the "Control-Z" concept to various scenarios, from personal relationships to significant societal events like elections, to illustrate its potential impact.

(Control)— Z

Image by Author

It took quite a while (months, anyway) for my left-hand little-finger and long-finger to settle in the perfect motion of Control-Z, but now they can do it in their sleep.

And is there a more useful finger-movement combination on Earth?

You deleted the wrong file? No problem: Control-Z.

The formatting did not work. No problem: Control-Z.

You copied the wrong picture? No problem: Control-Z.

You added too much salt to the salad: Control-Z. Well, you wish.

You really should not have married her: Control-Z. Wish again.

Really, life should have a workable Control-Z, and each person born should be given at least a (non-transferable and non-inheritable) handful of them, to spend as they see fit in order to revers anything, and I mean anything that they regret or for whatever private reason (virtuous or not) intensely wish undone.

Yes, there needs to be a limit to how many Control-Zs each person gets. An unlimited supply just would not work (just imagine the havoc); I’d say five from birth, and then, by extremely good deeds one should be able to acquire additional ones but under no circumstances more than five more (i.e., never more than ten per lifetime). Also, there has to be a time limit on this thing. Any reversal must take place within, say, twenty-four hours, that’s my gut feeling. Longer than that and, again, havoc — say the guy who after thirty years of marriage decided to reverse: impractical would be the word. But within a day or so, manageable I would say.

So, you threw away a winning lottery ticket: Control-Z. See, how handy is that?

So, over missed (as in overslept) a crucial job-interview: Control-Z. And this time you’re up on time and make it to the interview just fine. And wouldn’t you know, you got the job. See?

So, you realized you should have proposed last night, for now she’s mumbling about leaving town (and you) forever: Control-Z. And here you are, refreshed courage and ring and all, and she says yes. See?

As a lark, you voted for the most unlikely (and unqualified) presidential candidate ever, and OMG, he won!! Control-Z. And the world’s a better place for it. See?

P.S. If you like what you’ve read here and would like to contribute to the creative motion, as it were, you can do so via PayPal: here.

Cancel That

(Control)— Z

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