by Jacob Walker

Created on: August 28, 2009

Technology has been a constant influence on society. Since our ancestors developed tools to improve their lives, man-kind has an innate yearning to better ourselves. Advancement is never something that should be suppressed or fought, it is inevitable. Every one of us has a need to not only be happy, but also to never be satisfied. Technology is our medium of choice for innovative solutions for society's problems. Over the centuries, technology has had many faces. Starting with the discovery of fire, to cutting tools, agriculture, transportation, and currently computing, man-kind has endeavored to find great inventions. Each significant moment in human history has either been as a result of innovation, or embodied the need to innovate. War has consistently created the need for unique armaments. In the same way that new technology creates the need for war. Technology has connected the world in ways never thought possible in previous generations. That is not to say that hundreds of years ago society was not just as amazed at the introduction of electricity or trains.

The world around us is relentlessly changing. Those who reject such change inhibit the advancement of man-kind. We as a people are never going to be satisfied with the current state of any level of organized society. The goal is always to improve upon it; make it faster, stronger, durable, cheap, and functional. The world does not revolve around the phrase, If it aint broke, don't fix it. The parts of the society that choose to embrace that philosophy are doomed to failure. Technology brings us closer, even if we are far apart. Human beings need to feel connected and need to feel accomplished. Technology does not start with computers or electronics. It starts with a need and ends with society accepting a new level of satisfaction. The half life of our content has become smaller and smaller each generation.

Our potential for improving ourselves begins with accepting that change is going to happen. Modern society tries to control and suppress innovation that is unfamiliar. Fear is too often a factor in society's inability to address issues that have obvious solutions. Technology today brings us closer to rapid and drastic changes in the way we communicate. No longer do words need to be spoken in person, or even mailed in a letter. Actions and words are now instant. A lesson we all will soon learn is how to exercise restraint and understand that words become policy immediately. Society regularly does not have time to undo or restore the effects of technology. We are forced to accept and deal with our choices to invent a solution for one problem, only to have another created at the same time. Nuclear war, tactical weapons, and even religion are all constructs of our need to feel accomplished. Technology must now solve the problems we as a society have created; nevertheless it is our responsibility to bring about change and accept it.

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