In 1966, when the government in Iceland ran the country’s only television station, no programming aired on Thursdays. (From Smithsonian Magazine.)
The idea was for residents to socialize with one another, rather than staying at home and staring at a box.
And since most Icelanders took their vacation in July, all TV programming was canceled for the entire month.
This policy remained in place until 1983. It was 1987 before Thursday programming was added.
It should also be noted — because maybe there’s a connection — that today Iceland still publishes the most books in the world per capita. (From an article by the BBC.)
What do you think might happen if we were to decide to skip a day from all media? Might we engage in conversation? Or read something worthwhile? Or write something? How might we strengthen our connections with one another?
It’s an idea to consider.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another… (Hebrews 10:24-25)
May there be always someone in your life who can take the place of a screen.
© 2018/2026. Today’s post first appeared at Preaching Library.
