Measure of Intelligence …………paving a road to unknown destination

 

Measure of Intelligence

     …………paving a road to unknown destination

 

 Learning that my good friend was guest speaker in a talk show “challenges in leveraging technology to solve problems” conducted by a multinational retail corporation, I settled in front the TV screen well in advance only to realize that the subject matter and related Jargon that  was being freely used in the conversation was well over my head.My assumed mastery of (the ancient) technology was of little help. All the same sat  through the show.

Had never given a thought of forming an opinion about Modern Technology or its rapid advancements earlier.

So here I am, writing down my perceptions. May sound incredulous & muddled too! Particularly to Millenials & Gen Z.

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 Technology (electronic, digital, or physical) is not just a speculative concept associated with advanced systems used for performing intricate jobs. It fashions the way people develop. While technology has advanced rapidly - from simple tools such cell phones & Internet to complex tones such as computers & Artificial Intelligence. The last Four decades have witnessed mind boggling innovations that have pushed people to adopting newer methods of conduct & social attitude. Arguably, earlier innovations did not have such intense impact on humans.

 Technology is being effectively used in business and in almost every area of human activity including sport and recreation. More often than not, it has been found that by adopting technological innovations tasks can be performed much better.

 The very character of all technological systems has altered human attributes and interactions in many ways, & created unimaginable avenues for recasting human behavior.

 While technology has helped link global gap by connecting people, those who are physically close together are often far apart due to their inability to               “un- attach” themselves from devices. while developing children not only face possible cognitive changes due to constant exposure to the above factors, they often grow up in a possibly more isolated manner due to constantly being  “glued ” to  devices instead of physically spending time outdoors with friends.

 

.  In an age where robots and AI are  replacing humans within the workplace, human companionship has perceptibly diminished and human-to-human dealings have been replaced with human- machine alliance.                 

Already neighborhood friends, for instance, have largely been replaced with “ Virtual pals,” and  You tube & podcasts are replacing learning & vocational training centres

 Human race is already on the one way fast lane. There is no turning back.

Born and brought up in the rather conservative middle years of the last century, I’m terrified of the steep trajectory along which the world is zooming away powered by ever evolving technology. Can Humans retain the power to control & rein in the advancements or will it gallop away like a wild horse?

 Used wisely, technology can sustain a healthy sense of wellbeing that benefits relationships at home and work and only the future generations can deliver that.

What a fantastic world it will be when the finger on the button continues to  understand & respect  Natural order by the heart.    

 

So, there is a reason why I  say our childhood days  were  the best time of my life. It was something so simple, uncomplicated yet supremely delightful.

 

The most trivial of things gave us immense pleasure. Neither did we crave for  materialistic stuff to be happy, nor was there a place for avarice in our hearts.  We’ve breezed past the most enjoyable phase of our lives.

 Like Rip Van Winkle who entertained the townspeople with tales of the old days, the only way left to experience that unruffled, serene period  is to remember, cherish, relive and narrate all those wonderful memories whenever possible to whoever cares to listen.

Here’s to the sheer joys of our childhood that I am sure you will enjoy.

 

Joy was:

…  when Bicycles were the best means of transport & fun

…. when group lunches and group studies were  Play & work!

… when a simple polythene bag would serve as a rain coat         

 

…. when running errands provided thrill

…..when Splashing water was / is so much fun

….  when we never bothered about the harmful effects of Holi                                                    colours, street food & sugared ice.

 

…Trying to catch those delicate  soap water bubbles

….being resourceful by collecting match box labels 

…….hanging out with  group of friends

 

…….. chasing kites cut loose from strings

…….diving into  the water streams , rivers & pools

……..Petting fluffy little kittens & puppies 

…….the company of cattle, sheep & goats  evoked warmth

 

……. participating in School’s mass planting of trees every year and forgetting all about it  ( it was legitimate)

……..roaming the streets like vagabonds- call it bravado!

…….. sailing paper boats in rain water streams

…….  blindly following elder siblings and doing what they did !