A decade ago, I published the first issue of the 3vies magazine, Volume 30. The very first thing I ever wrote, which kick-started the whole year-long process of creating/publishing a print magazine, was an article titled "Becoming A Better Human." A decade later, and this article feels even more relevant. I was listening to the podcast "Ive Got Questions" by Sinead Bovell, and in her interview with Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, Mustafa talked about the goal of technology being to "improve the lot of all humanity." That statement resonated and reminded me of that article I wrote all those years ago. Here is the article as it appeared in Volume 30:
What does it mean to be human?
Working in research and engineering it seems, to me, we often forget why we have technology in the first place. It's not to peddle a product or put a human spin on it for marketing. It's to use invention to improve the lives of the people. Looking back over the past centuries we see technology change but humans don't. Cultures change, communities change, fashions change but basic human needs never really do.
I believe the future is all about using technology to help us be better people. We are getting to the point where technology is improving at a rate faster than we are able to consume it all. It's no longer having technology for technology's sake, but rather using it to become better humans, to love and connect on a depth and scale that has never before been possible. The future is brighter than it has ever been. And the best part is we create it. We can be the change we want to see in the world. The future doesn't just happen. It's people like you and I that create it.
Create your future
Timeless
This was the absolute first thing I ever wrote; before the "Live Life Intentionally" brand motto, before the patents, or workshops, advisor roles, coaching, speaking, the principles of creating a life you love, or even the realization of my skills as a futurist.
Timelessness has always been the goal. It's how I measure my work and make decisions. In a time when everyone is hyper-focused on immediacy and virality, I have consistently maintained a mindset that I am building things relevant for humans three to four generations from now. It's also becoming clear that it's for future systems to learn from as well. It may be systems that become fans of my work and begin to share it with their human counterparts or synthetic friends. What an exciting time to be alive and able to create.
A New Era
I share Mustafa's perspective; there is something inherently hopeful about the technological advancements. We are entering a new era of humanity. One in which we are now required to discover a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. Nothing has challenged us to better articulate this like AI. I find that encouraging. We are expanding our language to deepen our comprehension of our existence, which in turn allows our questions and curiosity to evolve and mature as well.
In closing I give you this final piece of advice as we look forward. You can only connect with people at the deepest level you have connected with yourself. Keep exploring new part of you. That is what allows your mind to see it in others.
