Technology

          Since man first developed primitive tools, technology has always held the potential to allow us to improve the quality of our lives. As any new technology becomes possible, the question should be “In what ways does this help to improve the lives of people?” as opposed to merely marketing a “product” for simple monetary gain. Think of how many technologies that could benefit us as a species are being ignored because they are not considered “financially lucrative“ although they may be completely within the realm of technological feasibility. How many technologies do you use daily that under closer scrutiny are actually unnecessary or limited in their benefit to people’s lives? LED lights in a tennis-shoe could be a great safety aid for night walking or jogging, but are almost exclusively marketed toward children as a novelty item. An evolved humanity of the future would have little patience or use for gimmicks and mere gadgets, and it is to this evolved ideal that we could strive if we were able to envision a different and disciplined path for ourselves. There have been, and will continue to be, fantastic developments in such varied areas as robotics, medicine and health-care, and learning about ourselves and the universe.

          Whether it be for the purpose of labor or companionship, it has always been the dream to let the robots work while we pursue the arts and leisure. It seems hardwired into us as a species to want to create these sorts of things. The robots in the Futurevisions project are often a stylistic nod to robots of fiction but this does not diminish their importance. These types of devices could aide us in dangerous or repetitious activities and allow us more freedom in our lives. Perhaps with time, we can find a balanced way to fulfill our lives with robots as our liberators.

          Many believe that space is our destiny even though we have only visited it on a limited basis. There are speculations abound that tell us that we may actually be forced from our very home here on Earth. Whether it be because of overpopulation or “gray goo,” we may indeed find space to be our salvation. Whether or not we must move into space is uncertain but it is clearly our drive to do so. Perhaps private efforts will be the renewal of our exploration and moves into space.

          We have so many tools at our disposal, and many more on the way, to make learning faster and more efficient. It is in the gathering, processing, and application of knowledge that gives substance and direction to our species. From learning strategies like “modeling” to technologies like “mind mapping,” people will have far less friction when gathering and sharing information in the future. Imagine a world where everyone is in essence a “genius” in their chosen interests and given the opportunity to contribute fully to the world around them. What an incredible resource we could all be! What kind of “futurian genius” would you choose to be?

          It is a bit ironic that a project that envisions so many technologies is, at the core, not about technological changes at all. It is our view that the real developments must come from the individuals that make up humanity as a whole. We need better attitudes toward the world around us and each other. We need to evolve within to catch up to the technological changes that are fast outpacing us.