The Written Word: Museum Exhibit of Our Future
On a Friday night in April 2011, my sister and I were discussing the effects of new technology on human culture, interaction, and progress (or demise.) Many people seem overwhelmed with the speed in which technology is changing how we interact with others as well as our environment. To some, understanding technology is an impossible task as there is simply too much to learn. They are amazed yet baffled. Others seem oblivious to the scope of change from technology and seem to address the subject dismissively as though it is a passing fad. They appear to believe mobile phones, YouTube, and texting are simply “the things kids NOW do instead of watching Saturday morning cartoons.” They believe these inventions as “neat” little gadgets and the consideration ends there.
Drawing, speaking, and writing were technology advancements which forever changed how we interact with others and our environment. These forms of technology allowed our animal ancestors to exponentially exchange information, ideas, and feelings… which in turn lead to the invention of more technologies. Art, literature, commerce, religion, politics, astronomy, and mathematics are derivatives of the technologies of drawing, speaking, and writing. They changed us from wandering animals into people; technology was part of our evolution.
The invention of the computer and then the microchip can be argued as the technological equivalents of the inventions of drawing then speaking. One technology built upon the other. As speaking was a more efficient method of sharing an idea than drawing it, writing became the most efficient method of sharing an idea over speaking it. Since the message was recorded rather than spoken, man could share his thoughts more efficiently as it would reach many more people.
So what is the modern technological equivalent of writing? What new technology mimics the leap to rapid sharing of ideas like writing was to speaking? Many argue the internet, as it provides a much faster method of sharing information. Like a virtual printing press, it pumps out an overwhelming amount of instant information (and probably with a similar ratio of valid content compared to the printing presses of our past.)
As I slowly type this message and periodically look down to guarantee I select the appropriate keys, I think of our ancestors sliding characters on the press board of the first printing machine… anxious to finish each word so the message can be shared with others. I remember sitting in history class thinking, “How could anyone have the patience for such a process?” Ironically, the sharing of ideas is still primarily completed by writing… now known obviously as typing. Although faster than hand copying scrolls or individually selecting print press characters, we still rely on writing as the foundation of sharing and creativity. It’s still the most efficient way we are able to communicate and transform our ideas visually. Seems rather disappointing we still rely on this exhaustive and manual approach. I would argue it is the main obstacle of the evolutionary advancement of the human species… aside from the acheivement of immortality. (future rant on this scheduled)
My sister and I recently spoke about a new idea where it would be possible to transfer a message without typing (writing.) Like sending an email or text, the user could think an idea and transmit the idea to the recipient. Essentially, electronic telepathy. Most would argue this impossible, but it appears a group has already designed a rudimentary form at a very affordable price. They have created a device which can quickly recognize the brain function of a command and then replicate a visual command on screen when the brain repeats this thought. Although not pure telepathy, the cultural ramifications of such a technology far surpass what writing has done for humanity. Imagine what could be created and the speed at which creation would be possible, if the ancient technology of writing and speech were no longer an impediment. Your thoughts would no longer incur the limitations of the written word. Watch the video presentation here… and may the force be with you.
-dub
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVhggGSjXVg
Background photo from http://newdesktopwallpapers.info/Egyptian%20Papyrus%20Wallpapers/PaintedHieroglyphics.jpg
