A User’s Manual to Seat 21C

This is one of the funniest things I’ve read in ages.

Once the plane arrives at its destination, be aware that your SEATBELT BUCKLE is specially designed to disengage most efficiently if you place your hand on it for several minutes prior to arrival at the gate. The instant the seat belt sign is turned off and the soft gong sounds, snap it open vigorously, then swiftly stand up and lunge for the overhead bins. Those seated on the aisle should immediately advance one or two rows before others crowd in and hinder forward motion. Those in window seats should also stand immediately, adapting the attractively hunched Cro-Magnon stance under the luggage bins for the 12 minutes before your row is released for deplaning.

Be sure to read the whole article, but this snippet is a great example of Grasping (in the Buddhist sense). It’s especially great because it’s so recognizable in ourselves. The ironic thing about grasping is that we’ll cling to the idea of getting off the plane quickly, because being on the plane is uncomfortable, and yet our actions don’t get us off the plane any more quickly — but they do make us even more uncomfortable. It’s delusion that prevents us from realizing that our actions are completely counterproductive.

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