Change

I was reading cnn.com, economist.com, newsweek.com about the changes in our world, technological or otherwise and I came up with this mini reflection.

The world is truly changing. Societal norms are constantly being revised. Culture is updated more frequently that future generations will not have a culture to hold on to but a culture to modify. The gift of reminiscing will slowly fade away with time and people will struggle to find the time to truly ponder about the past and the good times that came with it.

We live in exponential times where change is not only constant but rapid. I fear we will one day lose the beauty of enjoying the moment because we now have the ability to do so much is such a short span of time. I’m not against the progress of society, far from. I am however pondering the fact that we may one day have this culture of rushing through life that we simply forget that the true wonders of life happen when we simply stop and absorb. We can’t fight the evolution of mankind. What we can do is to evolve rationally to fuze the old with the new, culture with modernity, love with infatuation.

While we are intelligent beings we are also simple ones. We can have everything is the world but we are driven by emotion and if we can’t satisfy them, everything else material would not matter.

Nicholas

Session 12

Today was officially the final day of our TWC course and I must say I will miss this class. I think I chose the right subject for the first semester of my university life because it thought me to be more open to change and progress. I used to think that if an input brings a negative output, then we should forgo the input. However with TWC, I learn to compromise. If the input brings in certain positive outputs along with the negative, we should find a way to eliminate the negative outputs so that we can enjoy the positive outputs rather then eradicating the input as a whole. We live in times where change happens constantly and at exponential rates and we as future change leaders should learn how to be at the forefront of this pattern.

One of the groups that presented today talked about the drug problem and how legalizing them would be a possible solution. However there are certain problems that may arise as a result of legalizing the drug. For example, when I was in Amsterdam, I visited coffee shops that sold marijuana legally. However these coffee shops were also illegally selling other times of drugs like cocaine as well. The problem with legalizing one drug to be sold is that it becomes a gateway to other forms of drugs. These coffee shops in Amsterdam now have a platform to sell other forms of drugs, which in the long run I feel does not really help solve the problem as a whole. Of course economically in the long run, revenue generated from taxation of these legalized drugs will benefit the governments but it does nothing to solve the social problems that come with drug use. When you think about it, the fight against drugs will always be a never- ending battle. What we can do is to develop new and better ways using technology to effectively catch drug smugglers and sellers. The main point I’m trying to make is that it is impossible to legalize marijuana and assume that other drugs would not become more easily accessible. It is like alcohol. There are no illegal forms of alcohol because they are essentially the same thing but in different degrees of potency. Therefore if you legalize or ban one, you have to do the same for the rest.

My groups project was on holograms and the future it brings as a form of visual technology. The main reason why we were so excited about it was because of the massive potential that is has it terms of changing the way we function. Can you imagine communicating with your loved one where he or she appears as a hologram? You might not need because it will soon be reality. Before starting University and this course, I was under the impression that technology such as holograms and augmented reality are distant possibilities because these are things you only really witness in sci-fi shows. However when we started on our group project, I came to find out that I was misinformed. The technology is here and almost ready to use. The question is how can we use it to help the masses? How can we use it as future change leaders? We all definitely have the ability to answer that.

In conclusion, TWC has thought me to be more confident. If there is something that needs to change or an idea worth exploring, do not hesitate or think twice. Be the person that steps up to the challenge.

Session 11

The start of the group presentations was truly intriguing. A few unique ideas were put forth making the future a very exciting prospect, from 3D animation to genetic warfare. However I thought it would be nice to present the other side of it.

What was particularly interesting was perhaps sports technology. It has really revolutionized the way sports are played today. Swimming with state of the art swim gear, is that a true test of your talent? And if you allow the wearing of this swimsuits, then what difference does it make, the fastest swimmer before will still be the fastest swimmer now if everyone wears it. The only difference is the time set. If I wanted to see who could reach such lighting speed timings, I would rather just race speedboats. Sometimes, the presence of technological advancements is redundant. Just because the can do it does not mean that it is necessary. Sport is about passion and determination. Yes if you can use technology to improve fine but Sports should be focused around the technological breakthroughs. I love playing soccer and sure it’s fine if they develop boots to make you run faster. However if they develop soccer boots that can eventually transmit virtual imaging of a scope so you can better aim and shoot the ball then it’ll defeat the purpose of soccer being a sport about skill. Sadly that is what I envision happening because we will have the capability to do it. While I appreciate the technological advancement I appreciate being human more.

Killing someone that has a certain genetic make-up. I can’t believe it has come to that. Yes it’s fantastic that with this we can minimize the collateral damage. However is this where we are going at as citizens of this world. Centuries of violence, disputes and disagreements and rather then learning to evolve into people of peace, we shift our focus on minimizing the damage to our friends but maximizing the damage to our enemies. I feel that they more we have the ability to create such weapons the harder it will be to search for peace. Perhaps these weapons will be like Nuclear weapons where we might never have to use it but the paranoia that results from having weapons like these in your arsenal can be just as dangerous.

I have many positive views as well. However I felt that maybe showing a little of the negative light would provide a more balance argument.

Overall it was an interesting lesson filled with thought provoking ideas. Hopefully we can carry it on into the next lesson.

Session 10

Classes officially came to an end today and I feel that a very fitting question that we should try to answer so that we can take away something positive from this course is perhaps how can we come up with new an innovative ways to bring about change in this world? The key I feel is to be an open book. As Melinda Gates so perfectly put it, we have to learn from innovators from every sector. We have to adapt to changes as quickly as possible to that our vision of the future is not outdated and in these exponential times, it’s quite a challenge.

Jerry Lewis’ presentation today talked about the possible steps to eradicate poverty. While I still hold an air of skepticism, I don’t doubt people’s ability to reduce poverty. We live in a giving and charitable society. Once we experience giving and the way it makes us feel, we tend to carry on that trend because of the satisfaction it gives us. That’s what we need. We need people to take initiatives rather then the dependence on organizations as a whole. Look at Kiva.com. All it took was one visionary woman to make that change. She saw that it wasn’t money perse that these people were looking for but rather help. They wanted help so that in turn they can learn to help themselves. Sometimes we doubt the ability of people to be independent and that can be catastrophic. When we forget people can learn to be independent, we look to big organizations to solve the problem because we assume that people in poverty are looking for someone to depend on permanently rather then to learn from in the hopes that one day they can do it themselves.

My favorite quote of the whole course came today. “We should work back from the future rather then work from present to future”. It has totally changed my perception on life and how we should live it. It’s not a new concept. We’ve all heard it before for example, “begin with the end in mind”. However I suppose I took it for granted. I realize working back from the future allows you to constantly work at achieving your goals rather working to achieve your goals and that can make all the difference.

Overall, this course has thought me to not be burdened by barriers but be motivated by opportunities to make a difference in the world for we are not truly privileged until we have made a difference in the lives of people.

Session 9 Emerging and future technologies

Today’s session discussed the emerging and future technologies and it’s feasibilities. Future technologies can literally happen in any sector as was mentioned during class. However just because we have the ability to create these new technologies, is it necessary that we utilize it?

Nanotechnology and Cryonic technology used to resurrect the dead. Many people in the class feel that it is unnecessary as death is essentially a natural process of life and that we should not interfere with it. Of course there are many reasons why it is unnecessary. However the most valid one I feel is probably the ethical reasoning. Should we focus on bringing back people from the dead? Or should the money be better spent invested on improving the quality of life of the people who are living. It is more practical so ensure that we focus on technologies that help people live the best possible way with whatever time they have on earth rather then merely living up to an age of 500 simply because we found a way to ensure you never have to die. However one must admit that skepticism arises when we have yet to actually resurrect someone. When the time comes when we do, then we will be in a better position to weigh the pros and cons of having someone who lived in the 60’s to be living in the 21^st century while maintaining his youth.

Another topic discussed today was Nuclear Fusion and whether it’s the best form of alternative energy. We should definitely focus on it and put more emphasis on it because this is one form on energy that can essential solve our energy needs instead of having a few options like solar energy or wind generators. If we can successfully create as much energy as the sun then, then problems such as providing energy for a rising population or finding new forms of sustainable energy will become mute. Countries will also become more self sufficient in creating energy for its population and never have to worry about the lack of it thus facilitating progress. Hence why not focus on Nuclear Fusion? We can basically solve every energy related problem.

However something in the class really affected me, and which may not necessarily pertain to TWC directly but why would any man or woman for that matter want to fall in love with a ROBOT? Correct if I’m wrong but isn’t part of falling in love with someone related to chase and the mini dance you do when you try and court someone? It’s not possible to do that with a Robot that you program to focus on you. I don’t doubt that they will have the intelligence of human and certain emotions but there is one thing we cannot have with Robots and that is “chemistry”. That is just a personal opinion but one which I am almost certain our generation can relate to. However I wouldn’t be surprised in the age our children grow up it, falling in love with robots maybe a norm because it’s a societal norm.

Overall is was a good class, thought provoking and never ceasing to break my boundaries.

Session 8 Renewable energy

If there is one thing to take a way from today’s session is that the biggest barrier that hinders renewable energy from reaching its potential is cooperation. This is evident in the reading son vista as well as from the presentations today.

Reading 3 from vista states that energy policy makers have to consider many other factors and not solely on energy. For instance, the social impact, the economic impact among others. The problem here is that people are so focused on their own current needs that they forget the big picture and thus do not provide the appropriate concession for it. Below are some factors to explain my point:

- People only focus on investing in renewable energy if it will bring in profits in the long run for themselves. Therefore renewable energy becomes a business decision. So if we find a renewable energy source that it not profitable do we through away the idea? We might if we carry on with a business mindset.

- Governments and various organizations tend to see renewable energy as an alternative energy source. Yes 10 to 20 years ago that might have been the case. Not anymore. We have to change that mindset and realize that we have to eventually make renewable energy our only source of energy. A simple change of words from alternative to main energy source can make a difference.

- Minor barriers or excuses? Fossil fuels are cheaper alternatives. How long can we hide behind that excuse? Sustainable development is the only way we can carry on with our extensive energy consumption without resulting in end of the world situations. It is essential to change to these problems into opportunities to find ways to make renewable energy a cheaper solution, which there are many cases of.

What lessons can we take away from this? One is that we need to be more cooperative when it comes to moving renewable energy in the right direction, which is forward. Secondly, we need to change our mindset and realize that the future is now and that renewable energy is which was the solution for the future has become the solution for now.

I would rate this session an 8/10 because it brought about more insight the actual progress on renewable energy. Although things are being done, it is not nearly enough and we have to find ways to reach the maximum potential or renewable energy.

Session 7

I suppose I’m very narrow minded in my thinking and I should broaden my views and thoughts a little more. No matter what topic is being discussed or presented, I can only seem to focus on the human element more then the science or the technology. To simplify it, whenever someone talks about a particular topic, I immediately shift my focus to…. “Okay, this technology is out there, we have the capabilities. How can we use this to help the people who need it the most?” Because when it comes down to it, we should capitalize on these technological shifts to help people who we could not have helped before effectively.

Juvan was talking about how GM foods are everywhere whether we accept it or not. So why are there still Anti-GM groups against the whole idea? Looking ahead, the question shouldn’t be whether GM foods are good or bad for us now or in the long run. The question should be how can we carry on with the development or GM foods and at the same time find ways to eradicate the negative impacts that come with. We now have efficient solutions to solve poverty as well as allow people and countries to be more self- sufficient, so there is no reason why we should not capitalize on it.

Bandana’s presentation seemed to bring up the point, which has been around for the past couple of weeks. Can we find the balance between profit oriented and being socially responsible? It may not be an either or situation but neither is it a 50-50 one. From the presentation, Monsanto does not seem to be ethical in it’s practices but I do agree with the point that use when they are being sued. They are trying to solve one of the MDG. Being profit driven is what fuels you to constantly improve what you have so that it benefits more people and more effectively. This is exactly what you need to bring about change.

However I’m still sitting on the fence as I’m not too sure of myself. Does it solve the root problem of the MDG? We can only effectively eradicate problems such as poverty and starvation if we give people the tools to combat themselves rather then giving them a quick fix. Prevention is always better than cure. It’s a tricky thing to find the right balance. However it is not impossible.

I felt this class was a 7/10. Thought provoking and relatively easy to follow.