You can’t stop progress, or so the saying goes. The rate of change in our world is astonishing, and seems to be ever accelerating. If one looks at the almost three hundred years since the start of the first industrial revolution (generally dated at about 1760) it is clear that things have changed at a dizzying pace.
Almost every facet of human civilization has changed dramatically during this time period – government, education, public health, medicine, transportation, war, agriculture, manufacturing. Scientific discoveries, engineering and technological advances were at the heart of much of that change.
Can we also say that the quality of human existence has improved in step with this progression? How does one measure the quality of people’s lives? In developed nations life expectancy increased dramatically since the start of this period, from an average in the mid 30’s in the early 1800’s to the high 70’s or even low 80’s today. The average number of hours in a work week has also declined significantly. It is difficult to generalize, but it appears that the type of work and the dangers involved have also improved over time for much of the population, although the drudgery of today’s manufacturing and service jobs might not be substantially better than the work of the past.
In terms of material wealth and comfort, there has been a similarly dramatic increase over the timeframe of technological advancement for much of the world. Housing, appliances, vehicles, clothing, recreation, sports and many other aspects of daily life have become easier, and offer more variety for leisure time and less onerous daily living conditions.
However, these improvements and achievements are not enjoyed universally. The lower economic strata of society, and indeed most of the developing world, still struggle in a life that is often far from comfortable or happy.
The economics of capitalism, which have driven the technological revolution from its beginnings, claim that the most efficient way for all to benefit is for unregulated self-interest and the profit motive to drive all economic activity. The reigning metaphor is that of a rising tide lifting all boats.
But have we now reached a point of diminishing returns on our technology investment and the unfettered free market? The last 40 years have seen little success in solving many of the economic and social issues that continue to plague us, and despite the rise to middle class of many in parts of Asia, the developing world still lags far behind and seems permanently stymied in its attempt to ascend.
The ongoing computer information age and the burgeoning AI and space races do not appear likely to contribute to a more salutary or stable world situation. If anything, they have exacerbated conflicts and increased inequality both within and between nations.
The massive accumulation of wealth by a relatively small cadre of the super-rich may provide ample funding for new technology, but will these technological advances really make a positive difference in the world? Or will they simply perpetuate the status quo or lead to more discord?
The first delusion of technology is that every new gadget or invention is worth pursuing; that every new idea must be exploited to its full potential; that if something is possible, then it must be realized, regardless of the cost or the missed opportunities. The second delusion is that technological advancement must continue to accelerate, that it must be funded and hurried along as quickly as possible. This, of course, is a consequence of the fierce competition between companies and nations.
And the third delusion is that technology will always bring good things. The truth is that new technology brings change, both good and bad. The computer revolution, the Internet, the smartphone and social media have brought wonderful new connections and capabilities, but they have a dark side that becomes are more striking. Have our lives truly been made more fulfilling by this technology? Are we any happier or more well-adjusted?
And what does the future hold for us? The mad rush to employ AI everywhere and the spectacular self-driving vehicles and new space craft may delight us with their ingenuity, but will any of it lead to a better world for the 8 billion people that are trying to come to terms with climate change, continuing inequality, disease, political conflict, despotism and war (not to mention an earth that is rapidly filling up with our detritus and becoming an ecological disaster).
Technical progress is a genie that will never go back into the bottle. But we do have the power to make different wish requests of this genie. If we do not choose wisely, we may find ourselves starting again from square one.
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