Why We Shouldn't Go Back, But We Should Look Around
In my previous post, I talked about how the "Century of Velocity" makes the world a blur. But let’s be very clear: this is not a critique of progress. I love the fact that we live in an era of light, internet, and life-saving technology. We have reached a level of intelligence where we’ve created Artificial Intelligence, conquered distances, and built cities that never sleep.
I wouldn’t want to go back to the age of oil lamps and dirt tracks with no medicine. The evolution of the engine—from the first 1886 Motorwagen to the 2022 Vision EQXX—is a triumph of human genius.
The Tool vs. The Experience
The real power of being human today isn't just that we can go fast; it’s that we can choose when to do so.
- When Velocity is a Blessing: If there is a medical emergency, if you need to be across the world to save a situation, or if you have a high-stakes presentation that could change the future, the airplane is a miracle. We should be proud that we’ve built a world where you can be in another country in two hours to fulfill your responsibilities.
- When Slowness is a Luxury: The "deșteptăciune" (intelligence) of our species isn't just in building the fastest car; it’s in knowing when to leave the keys on the table and take the long way. It’s about having the discernment to say: "Today, I don't have an emergency. Today, I want to see the ocean. Today, I want to meet a stranger on a 32-hour bus ride."
We Are Smart Enough to Have Both
We don’t have to choose between being modern and being "human." We can use AI to solve complex problems and then use that saved time to sit on a bench and talk to a friend. We can fly for business and drive for the soul.
Moving forward doesn't mean leaving our feelings behind. True evolution is when we use our incredible tools—like the phone in your hand or the car in your garage—to enhance our lives, not to replace the beauty of a slow sunset or a deep conversation.
My Reflection: Progress is a ladder. We’ve climbed very high, and the view is spectacular. But being at the top of the ladder doesn't mean we should forget how to walk on the ground. The most "intelligent" version of humanity is the one that uses a supercar to reach a goal, but isn't afraid to walk barefoot just to feel the earth.
Questions for You, the Reader:
- Do you agree that the greatest human "technology" is actually our ability to choose our own pace?
- How do you balance the need for speed in your job with the need for "soul" in your private life?
- If you had a magic button to pause the world for just one hour today, what would you look at that you usually miss?
