Protect Less Enjoy More True Value | Generated by AI
This is a philosophical reflection on the counterproductive habit of over-protecting consumer products, using screen protectors as the primary example.
The Core Argument
The author observes that many people use phone screen protectors that become scratched and dirty, degrading their display experience. When he convinced people to remove their protectors, they were shocked at how much better the screen looked and performed. This led him to question why people prioritize protecting their phones over actually enjoying them.
The Experimental Evidence
To convince skeptics, the author revealed an experiment he conducted on his old 2008 smartphone: he used keys and knives to scratch the screen intensively, and it remained completely undamaged. Modern phone screens use even harder glass, making protectors unnecessary. The protector actually diminishes the product you paid for while providing false peace of mind.
Extending the Logic
Wooden Tables with Plastic Covers: The author observes that people buy expensive solid wood tables, then cover them with plastic sheets—sometimes even buying plastic sheets to protect the first plastic sheet. The result? You end up using a plastic table despite paying thousands for wood. The plastic destroys the warmth and character of the wood, while normal wear and scratches would actually enhance its appeal (as evidenced by expensive “distressed” tables sold in stores).
Remote Controls in Cases: Protective cases obscure buttons and reduce usability without meaningfully extending lifespan. Electronics become outdated before their remotes wear out anyway. Why protect something so cheap?
Leather Car Seats: A dealership offered to spray a protective coating on leather seats to maintain resale value. The author refused, saying he wants to sit on leather, not on some chemical coating. After years of use, his seats remained pristine without the coating.
The Principle
Products exist to serve people, not the reverse. When you prioritize protection over enjoyment, you’ve defeated the purpose of ownership. The slight cosmetic wear that comes with normal use is actually part of the product’s character and charm.
The Exception
The author acknowledges one legitimate exception: iPhones, which have excessively smooth, rounded designs that make them prone to slipping and breaking. A protective case is genuinely necessary there—not as a choice, but as a requirement imposed by poor design.
The deeper message: Don’t let the fear of damage prevent you from fully enjoying what you’ve purchased. Live with your possessions, not around them.