Technology & Science – How we Interconnect the Facets of Life
New technology means new
patterns of thinking
New technology means new
ways of acting, achieving,
manufacturing
Technology delivers the
future to us today
In my mind there is no way we can succeed as a nation by
entering the future unprepared. That means planning. Dreaming of our
possibilities. Delving into education and all of its elements. Along the way we
will happen upon science and technology. Inevitably.
Science is all about understanding the physical world: how
it most likely came about, how it has changed over the eons, which laws operate
conclusively the physical elements of our world and universe, which theories
likely explain what we don’t understand currently, and the scientific research
that will enable us to turn theories into laws or do away with unproven
theories. It is a vital process of understanding ourselves and our world, and
gaining knowledge consistently through a disciplined approach.
Technology makes use of scientific discovery. It provides
ideas we can work into real tools, real services, real things that improve our
ability to live life fully in the universe. Such technology builds toward new
technologies in an ever quickening pace of fresh discovery.
If you have followed TED (Technology/Education/Design)
seminars and documentaries, you will note how innovative thinkers are using
science, technology and bizarre (to us!) thought processes, to actually uncover
more ideas and technology. This interconnection of fresh thinking actually
frees the mind for more creative heights of exploration. It actually aids
thinking, creates thinking, allows thinking. I know this sounds obvious. But it
isn’t. We tend to think in stodgy old patterns of thought. If we let our minds
seek their own level of understanding – their own flights of fancy – stunning
results occur. Fancy one minute becomes a proven, useful tool seconds later.
Associated ideas take great leaps of logic and discover new relationships,
associations.
Brainy people left to their own methods, arrive at startling
findings and conclusions. Those benefit each of us.
These fruits of excellence are easily killed off, however,
by narrow minded educational philosophies, practices, and restricted budgets.
Snuffed out even before willing minds can experiment with new thinking. New
ideas. New perspectives.
Educational institutions must be strong enough to support
new, effective methods of educating students of all ages. Encouraging fresh
ways of viewing the world brings invention of ideas and processes. This brings
discovery. And new methods. And new Technology. All of this is the result of a
way of thinking.
Technology accelerates our ability to think in ever widening
patterns and shapes. This produces more technology. New ways of acting come
directly from this brain activity. Soon whole new manufacturing methods will
emerge along with entirely new industries.
Think propulsion. Currently internal combustion engines
propel most of our automobiles. Not good enough is it? We must find a simpler
way to move people and their cars. We have to find a way that uses our natural
resources less intensively. We also must find a way to do all of this without
polluting or destroying our environment.
What possibilities exist that we know of? Electric vehicles,
of course, but these require heavy, expensive batteries containing minerals
that pollute to acquire, use and dispose of. What about solar electric
vehicles? Try that in a cloudy climate and watch traffic jams go nuts!
No we need fresh ideas. How about movement in outer space?
What about magnetic propulsion. What totally unknown science may be discovered
that will solve our problem? How do we find it? With education. With research.
Basically, we must look for it. It helps to know what problem we are trying to
solve to begin the search! Can we do that with restricted education budgets?
Can we do that with outdated laboratories? Can we do that without encouraging
people to pursue these interests?
I think not. Education yes. Pursuit of technology and
everything it allows to follow, yes. Let it happen for sure. Make it happen as
well. Intentionally.
Just think of the things we can do better and cheaper! So
many challenges. So many opportunities. So much potential!
Our future is extraordinarily bright. If we let it.
January 28, 2012
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