Big Think

Mario Domínguez Parra on January 27, 2008, 2:05 AM

Good morning from Spain.

I mostly agree with what Mr. Collins remarks. I would add, though, that most historians will focus on the genesis of an technological era that will take (I wouldn't say 'us', because unfortunately many places in the planet will continue as they are now, due to poverty which could be erradicated and it's not, for economical interests of the First World) a part of the world population to unthinkable well-being.

But new wars will arise out of new economical conflicts such as water or wind (yes, even wind will be subject to a price)to find an alternative energy to oil. And who knows, the war for health: pharmaceutical companies and generic medicines for poor countries, the lack of economical interest at the time of AIDS research because they have to sell what they have produced before.

Mario Domínguez, Tenerife

Mario Domínguez Parra on January 27, 2008, 7:05 AM

Good morning from Spain.

I mostly agree with what Mr. Collins remarks. I would add, though, that most historians will focus on the genesis of an technological era that will take (I wouldn’t say ‘us’, because unfortunately many places in the planet will continue as they are now, due to poverty which could be erradicated and it’s not, for economical interests of the First World) a part of the world population to unthinkable well-being.

But new wars will arise out of new economical conflicts such as water or wind (yes, even wind will be subject to a price)to find an alternative energy to oil. And who knows, the war for health: pharmaceutical companies and generic medicines for poor countries, the lack of economical interest at the time of AIDS research because they have to sell what they have produced before.

Mario Dom

Brian Cannon on February 14, 2008, 7:29 PM

He thinks deeper than this – was he prepared for the question ahead of time?

Brian Cannon on February 15, 2008, 12:29 AM

He thinks deeper than this – was he prepared for the question ahead of time?

Kristopher Koppel on April 7, 2008, 11:00 PM

I disagree with Mr. Collins. There are many out there who believe that technology will save us all. That it is the magic elixir that will cure all that ails us. The fact is that technology is progressing much faster than our existing social structure. We in large, are still angry, fearful apes spending the majority of our efforts and resources creating ever more efficient ways of harming one another.

Many might think of our last century as a renaissance era where science and rationalism had begun to prevail over religion and superstition. Science indeed continues to rise each year to a new zenith. However for all its virtues, it has played a large part in one of the most violent and bloody centuries in all of human history. Science itself is not to blame, It is merely a tool and thus is devoid of malice. The people who pervert it for their own means are the true culprits.The pursuit of power and wealth are usually always to blame for the blood.

Until we as a people begin to pull ourselves kicking and screaming into the light, where we see the error of our ways, we will continue to use technology as a double agent. Our salvation will not be in a box full of ones and zeros. It will come when we all look into the mirror and see what me must do to mature as individuals and as a global society. At that point and only at that point will technology serve as a useful tool to bring us together in a common and just goal.

Kristopher Koppel on April 8, 2008, 3:00 AM

I disagree with Mr. Collins. There are many out there who believe that technology will save us all. That it is the magic elixir that will cure all that ails us. The fact is that technology is progressing much faster than our existing social structure. We in large, are still angry, fearful apes spending the majority of our efforts and resources creating ever more efficient ways of harming one another.

Many might think of our last century as a renaissance era where science and rationalism had begun to prevail over religion and superstition. Science indeed continues to rise each year to a new zenith. However for all its virtues, it has played a large part in one of the most violent and bloody centuries in all of human history. Science itself is not to blame, It is merely a tool and thus is devoid of malice. The people who pervert it for their own means are the true culprits.The pursuit of power and wealth are usually always to blame for the blood.

Until we as a people begin to pull ourselves kicking and screaming into the light, where we see the error of our ways, we will continue to use technology as a double agent. Our salvation will not be in a box full of ones and zeros. It will come when we all look into the mirror and see what me must do to mature as individuals and as a global society. At that point and only at that point will technology serve as a useful tool to bring us together in a common and just goal.