Week 38 2024

Digital technological innovation has an ugly underside. It makes it all too easy to think analog and non-electronic devices and processes are inferior. For example, devices built with wood, powered by steam, or that require human power are sometimes regarded as outdated when AI, electric cars, and rocket trips to near-earth orbit are part of daily conversation. Just because a culture is ancient and uses devices comprised of basic materials does not mean that civilization is inferior.

Assumptions are dangerous, and they smack of unimaginative thinking. Perhaps we should celebrate longstanding technologies and cultures that persist. Those are signs of resilience—something sorely lacking in a disposable society.