NO TOOL FOR OLD USERS
Technology is an absolutely marvelous object. It is simultaneously an object of our desire and the subtle means of obtaining it. It is powerful beyond human comprehension and it evolves with blinding speed. It enables innumerable gadgets, devices, and businesses in indescribable ways.
As superb as our evolving technology is, on a fundamental level it remains a tool in our toolbox. How we choose to use it makes all the difference in the world. Our creativity, innovation, and passion will ultimately write the book on technology’s existence. We control that saga.
Eric Schmidt (executive chairman of Google) affirmed these fascinating dynamics between man and machine when he addressed the Virginia Tech graduating class last May (Mark Glassman, ed., “Commencement Wisdom 2015,” Bloomberg Businessweek , 6/1/15–6/7/15, p. 25):
“ The future doesn’t just happen. It’s not etched or written or coded anywhere. There’s no algorithm or formula that says technology will do X, so Y is sure to happen. Technology doesn’t work on its own. It’s just a tool. You are the ones who harness its power. ”
Schmidt’s words remind us that tools mean nothing without the user. My chainsaw can sit in my garage all day long. But unless I pick it up and use it, I will not be able to clear that storm-felled tree from my backyard. Technology works the same way. We don’t want to let it sit in our metaphorical garage. Rather, we want to use it to get things done more effectively and efficiently. That opportunity has never been greater than it is today. Let’s make great things happen with this powerful tool.
