One of my favorite questions to ask these days is “To what question is <fill in the blank> the answer?” The internet as the solution to isolation says more about what you think the root of the problem of isolation is than anything else.
And please go ahead with the Substack idea if you would like to, glad to serve as inspiration and would be great to have more spaces to continue the conversation on this topic.
This is such a great essay, Josh - I only wish you wrote it sooner!
I agree - I didn't quite get how the Percy Walker fitted.
And, the more I think about what you've written, the more I lean towards a redemptive approach to building technology. Thanks for sharing the companies that are doing a similar thing.
This is a very tricky thing, and something I concluded in my essay to - the important thing is deciding what we value, not assuming we value materialism above all else.
Oct 31, 2023·edited Oct 31, 2023Liked by Josh Brake
Awesome article, Josh!
You captured what I thought about how we should use the technology very well. Redemptive technological humanism motivated by humble hope!
Similar to how we have labels on our food to help us make better decisions of our caloric and nutrient intake, I believe technologists should strive to incorporate thoughtful designs in their products to foster healthy consumption of their products. Unfettered usage of social media and addiction to likes have parallels in consumption of fast foods and candies, in my view.
Simple abundance of technology by itself is not enough for human prosperity, just like simple abundance of any kinds of food isn't necessarily all that good for human health. Thoughtful design, even if it eats away at the profit margin in the beginning, will be much more rewarding and will be handsomely rewarded in the long term.
Thanks for your time and effort on this great piece!
“We had a problem of isolation, so we invented the Internet.” At that point you realize you’re wasting your time reading it.
One of my favorite questions to ask these days is “To what question is <fill in the blank> the answer?” The internet as the solution to isolation says more about what you think the root of the problem of isolation is than anything else.
I love this. And I want to talk to you more about it.
Would you feel exploited if I started a Substack called Techno-Humanism (or some variation)?
Yes, let’s talk more!
And please go ahead with the Substack idea if you would like to, glad to serve as inspiration and would be great to have more spaces to continue the conversation on this topic.
This is such a great essay, Josh - I only wish you wrote it sooner!
I agree - I didn't quite get how the Percy Walker fitted.
And, the more I think about what you've written, the more I lean towards a redemptive approach to building technology. Thanks for sharing the companies that are doing a similar thing.
This is a very tricky thing, and something I concluded in my essay to - the important thing is deciding what we value, not assuming we value materialism above all else.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on my take - https://zantafakari.substack.com/p/compilations-and-thoughts-on-marc
Let me know what you think!
Thanks Zan, glad you liked it. Will take a look at your piece!
Awesome article, Josh!
You captured what I thought about how we should use the technology very well. Redemptive technological humanism motivated by humble hope!
Similar to how we have labels on our food to help us make better decisions of our caloric and nutrient intake, I believe technologists should strive to incorporate thoughtful designs in their products to foster healthy consumption of their products. Unfettered usage of social media and addiction to likes have parallels in consumption of fast foods and candies, in my view.
Simple abundance of technology by itself is not enough for human prosperity, just like simple abundance of any kinds of food isn't necessarily all that good for human health. Thoughtful design, even if it eats away at the profit margin in the beginning, will be much more rewarding and will be handsomely rewarded in the long term.
Thanks for your time and effort on this great piece!
Thanks for the kind words and support, Albert. I’m glad you enjoyed it!