Imagine, if you will, a world without computers. What picture would your imagination paint? From 1st grade to high school my tools were: a notebook full of lined paper, a pencil, pen and eraser. I learned from a human teacher standing in front of a blackboard with chalk writing on it and I studied by reading books. In high school, I learned how to use a ‘hand held’ computer which we called a slide rule. Twenty years later when I finally entered college, I had to have a computer, an internet connection and an email address. Much of my instruction came across the internet. Twenty years after I graduated from college, it is hard to purchase anything, pay a bill, take an airline flight, or even order dinner without a cellphone (a handheld computer with internet and international telephone connections).
In less than one lifespan, culture, society and technology have changed so quickly that our comprehension of what is ‘normal’ can not keep pace. Our culture has become whatever is ‘trending’ on social media and Netflix. Our society has gone from the interaction of humans, to the interfacing of social media on the internet. Our technology, which started out as a tool for mankind, seems to have become its ruler.
Technology has become so pervasive in our culture and society that we can not live without it. If you are saying, yes, I can live without technology, try this: Turn off your computers, cellphones and all your 'smart' devices for one week. Could you do it? Would you know how to open the garage door so you could go to a store? How would you communicate? Pay bills? Would you be able to cook your own meals? Would you be able to call the hospital in case of an emergency?
As long as man has been alive, he has dreamed of making a better world for himself and future generations. It is man’s dreams, needs and wants that spark his imagination and the thought processes that eventually produce technology. Have we made our world better or have we become as Ray Kurzweil predicted in his book "The Singularity Is Near," one with our technology?
This paper is about the evolution of technology. It may appear to be framed as history but I make no claim to have separated inaccuracies, interpretations, opinions, myths and stories from fact. I believe that art, engineering, mathematics, science, philosophy, imagination, curiosity and society all have a part in the evolution of today's technology and will guide us as we contemplate the technology of tomorrow.
Before reading this paper, take a moment and ask yourself these 4 questions:
Can humanity survive without technology?
Can technology survive without humanity?
Do my answers to the previous 2 questions make humanity one with technology?
What does the answer to question 3 hold for the future of humanity?
Human evolution is driven by the recombination of genes. Human creativity is driven by a recombination of curiosity, imagination, ideas, knowledge, research, science, mathematics and chance - The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause.
Technology evolves through a recombination of the products of human creativity and the application of our ever evolving human mind; making us in a sense, one with technology.
What does “one with technology” mean? Being "one with technology" generally refers to a deep integration or harmonious relationship between humans and technology. This concept can encompass several aspects:
Seamless Interaction: It implies that technology is so well integrated into daily life that it feels natural and intuitive. Users can interact with devices and software effortlessly, often without conscious thought.
Enhanced Capabilities: Individuals may feel empowered by technology, using it to enhance their abilities, productivity, and creativity. This can include using tools for communication, learning, and problem-solving.
Digital Immersion: It can also refer to a state of being immersed in digital environments, such as virtual reality or augmented reality, where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds blur.
Philosophical Perspective: On a more philosophical level, being "one with technology" can suggest a belief in the potential of technology to augment human experience and existence, leading to a symbiotic relationship where both humans and machines evolve together.
Dependence and Adaptation: It may also reflect a societal trend where individuals become increasingly dependent on technology for various aspects of life, adapting their behaviors and lifestyles around technological advancements.
Overall, this phrase captures the evolving relationship between humans and technology. It suggests that individuals or societies have adapted to and embraced technological advancements to the extent that technology has become an essential part of their lives, rather than being a separate or intrusive element.
How can we achieve a harmonious relationship between humans and technology? The answer lies in our ability to harness technology ethically, innovatively, and collaboratively. While the potential of technology is vast, its impact on us depends on how we use it. The tools are in our hands. If we use technology wisely, it can be more than just an engine for progress, it can be the engine that drives a new era in human evolution, one marked by compassion, creativity, and connection.
Technology has empowered us to solve complex challenges, it is also challenging us to rethink the very essence of humanity. Today we say that our machines can think, learn, and create. Can they? Are they in fact “intelligent?” To truly enjoy the benefits of technology while retaining our humanity, we must be deliberate and mindful in our approach. As we develop systems, we must answer deep philosophical questions with ethical answers. Such as, what does it mean to think, what is intelligence and how does one become intelligent? These debates will help us evolve not only technologically but morally; causing us to prioritize human values and connections in our lives rather than isolating individuals and devaluing their importance to society.