“Solitude is impractical and yet society is fatal.” —- Ralph Waldo Emerson
The above quote may seem rather stark in its context, however given where we find ourselves in the present moment lends itself to clarity. Let me share a brief exchange I had with an extremely learned professor at a special event several years ago, that caused me pause, concern and alarm at that point . . . even more so now. As I gazed around the room, I noticed this gentlemen (i.e., the professor) off in a quiet corner just observing the interchange of guests etc., and I approached him with a question after introducing myself. After exchanging a few pleasantries, I asked him a simple question that has perplexed me since I was a child. Straightforwardly I asked, “Professor why is it that technology supersedes man’s humanity?” He looked at me quietly, and said gently . . . “and so it shall always be.” At that point, I swallowed, took a deep breath and thanked him for what I was afraid to hear and learn.
When consciousness is part of your vitality, the change that is experienced in culture, society, attitude, etc., becomes a bit blurred and out of focus. You may feel a little out of place, and taking a casual approach to this phenomenon doesn’t quite cut it for you. Taking this projection one step further, and learning this bit of technological advance recently . . . in approximately ten years we may be able to embrace something called singularity whereby man and machine become one. That is to say, it may be possible to upload information into the human brain via computer chip making information, thought, behavior, conduct, feelings, emotion etc., a flash-point of technological advancement. Aah . . . then what happens to present awareness, consciousness, responsibility, accountability and the like, when man merges with machine? Thomas Paine suggests, “We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities , but not on possibilities.
Then do we align our consciousness with the technology that is uploaded into our brains, or do we step back and re-align the choices in which this step would ignite? A tough question, of course . . . but necessary to ask at the crossroads of what may be a reality in a very short time. With that in mind . . . what to do you may ask. In the present moment, you are all that you can be . . . without qualification. Tomorrow is promised to no one, however in this moment you exist in conscious present awareness to the very best of your growth, understanding and desire. Make the best of the moment reflecting on the words of John Wooden, “Make each day your masterpiece.” JLR