Living between 1880 and 1910 must have been an incredible time, marked by the explosion of technology known as “the practical arts.” From the commercialization of steel to the advent of electricity, internal combustion, flight, and the telegraph and telephone, this era saw monumental advancements that changed the course of history.
The rise of huge bridges, skyscrapers, and the spread of urbanization transformed cities and landscapes. The introduction of new technologies such as indoor plumbing, sewing machines, and sound recording revolutionized daily life. Economic growth was astounding, with the U.S. economy expanding rapidly, and social mobility increasing.
The gold standard, lack of income tax, and minimal regulation allowed for unprecedented freedom and creativity. Even today, we benefit from the progress made during this time, as evidenced by the continued use of century-old machines in small businesses.
However, despite the optimism surrounding the information age in the late 1980s, the promised explosion of economic growth and progress did not materialize. Wars, declining health, and a lack of new wealth have left many disillusioned with the potential of information technology alone to improve quality of life.
As we reflect on the past and present, it is clear that technological advancements alone are not enough to bring about widespread prosperity and happiness. The challenges of today require a more holistic approach to progress and innovation. In today’s society, it is increasingly common for individuals to distance themselves from their phones in order to have private conversations. People are turning away from commercial food in favor of natural products, disconnecting from their devices, canceling streaming services, and even reverting back to radios and turntables for music. What was once seen as a friendly companion, the smartphone is now often viewed as a spying enemy, tolerated at best and despised at worst.
I recently encountered a friend who had switched to using an old-fashioned flip phone that he purchased on eBay and swears by. The National Archives has even stopped collecting data due to the overwhelming amount of information available. Despite our ability to collect vast amounts of data, we struggle to effectively curate it, leading to a potential loss of knowledge in the future.
A growing backlash against all things digital is evident in our culture, which is why traditional media outlets like The Epoch Times are experiencing rapid growth. The physical newspaper offers a sense of joy and allows us to hold onto the belief that the world can still be redeemed. I strongly recommend subscribing to the print edition for a more fulfilling experience.
Why did the Age of Information fall short of its promise? The reasons are complex and include the influence of government and corporate entities, excessive litigation, and a failure to prioritize freedom and peace, which are essential for technological advancements to truly benefit society. Additionally, the distinction between information and wisdom has been blurred, reminding us that knowledge devoid of virtue and truth is merely meaningless data.
As we strive to rediscover the importance of wisdom in the digital age, the question of how to achieve this remains paramount. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may not necessarily align with The Epoch Times’ views.
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