In 2022, the global population reached 7.9 billion, with over 40 million births and nearly 20 million deaths occurring every day. These numbers, driven by such a massive population, have given rise to countless events. Over the past half-century, technological advancements have brought about global reforms, leading numerous individuals to rise and become the new elites of their time. However, many others have felt lost, insecure, and overwhelmed in the flood of information. Faced with such divisions and the continuous fragmentation of politics, economy, cognition, and social classes, where does humanity's future lie?
In search of certainty amidst development
At this moment, as we look back on the path humanity has taken, we may find some insights and guidance for the future. The problems we face today have likely been pondered by individuals in every era. Every historical record was a significant and precise milestone at the time, and perhaps we can find the answers we seek by analyzing their experiences.
Humanity is both insignificant and ignorant - this ignorance is in contrast to omniscience, as mentioned in our previous article (NO.002). This is a fact and also the reason why humanity as a species is great. We have emerged from the chaos and unknown of the world, continuously dividing the objects we face and attempting to understand the whole from our limited perspectives. Although these attempts cannot lead us to absolute truth, they greatly expand our understanding and cognition of the complex existence of the world. It is through these explorations that humanity has survived on this planet and created rich cultures and forms of existence. This process is the development of human intelligence.
Looking at the development of human intelligence, both at the individual and collective levels, we have made significant progress. Our intelligence has continuously advanced, leading us to become the most prominent species on Earth. However, it is important to note that humans are actually one of the most fragile species (which will be discussed in future articles). Simultaneously, in the process of development, humans have created countless desires. It is these desires that have fueled rapid human progress but have also harbored anxiety and metaphors for the future.
Rediscovering the past
Since our development process has involved numerous attempts that have propelled the advancement and intellectual growth of our entire population, we may find hidden, reusable logic, paths, or facts from the past. These findings could greatly assist us in better facing future challenges.
- Relationships between individuals
We need to reexamine the existence of each individual. Every person is unique and valuable. In contemporary society, the value of individuals has been commodified, which may be practical from a societal cost perspective. However, it is not reasonable. Each person cannot be simply calculated within an economic paradigm. Every individual's existence is multifaceted and immeasurable. We need to value each individual, respect the uniqueness of every life, and strive to understand their significance.
The relationships between individuals should not be solely based on interests. Material needs are the foundation of our survival, but they are just that - a foundation. Emotions and meaning beyond materialism are the parts of our humanity that go beyond our animalistic nature. In our future development, we should use technology to assist in discovering the meaning and value of individuals.
- Political relationships
Groups are aggregates composed of multiple individuals. Some groups reflect the consciousness of individual opinion leaders, while others represent the consensus of the majority. In any case, there will always be some opinions that are not given due consideration. What we need to do is provide various ways for people with similar needs or consciousness to gather freely, allowing them to express their individual consciousness equally through engineered means.
The relationships between different groups are complex. In various systems, there are diverse differences between groups in terms of economy, rights, resources, culture, and more. We need to use more quantifiable means and engineering to rebuild the connections between groups.
When it comes to the relationship between groups and individuals, our initial consciousness usually focuses on "individuals within the group." This implies that individuals are the weaker party in this relationship. We need to revere the existence of individuals. Groups are concentrated displays of individual ideas, so individuals should not be mere appendages in their relationship with the group. Instead, they should be equal collaborators, with more flexible mechanisms for joining and leaving. Of course, this will also require stricter requirements for individuals' personal growth and education. The representation of personal value and the storage of past values will also need to be realized.
- What truly matters!
After discussing so much, it is important to reiterate that there are things that have been overlooked and forgotten in our development process. We need to revive them and rediscover the innate humanity and vitality within us, as well as the passion for exploration that lies within the chaos. We can explore and create better tools and concepts to promote the development of individuals and groups and their cooperation.
Insights for the future
In this article, we have briefly explored the problems we face and the knowledge or methods we can learn from the past. With the help of these insights, we can enter the future with greater confidence and a better posture.
The growth of knowledge is like a river, like a tree, constantly changing and flowing. These words are just my thoughts from a certain perspective and do not represent my complete thoughts on the subject, nor do they represent the end of the discussion. They are merely a starting point or partial representation. What I say may be wrong, but when we begin to reflect on the present and the past, from the outside to the inside, reanalyzing what you consider to be self-evident, we are constructing meaning.
Regarding the future, I am always filled with anticipation and unease, both for the era and for myself. However, it is precisely this uncertainty that gives us the opportunity to participate. I try not to carry too heavy a burden and delve into the past first. The process of constructing meaning for the future may lie in the effective reference of constructing meaning for the future by exploring the construction of meaning in past eras. In this process, the most important thing is not to focus on existing results but to understand how the path to those results was established. Let us embark on this journey together, better understand the past, and create a better future.
Reading List:
Books:
- "Winning with Users: Web Character Creation and Application Practice Guide"
- "Feeling of Style: 21st Century Writing Guide" by Stephen Pinker
- "How Blockchain Will Redefine the World" by Tang Wenjian and Lv Wen
- "Mastering Bitcoin" by Andreas M. Antonopoulos
- "AI Empowerment: AI Redefining Product Managers" by Lian Shilu
- "Artificial Intelligence Product Manager" by Zhang Jingyu
- "Data Product Manager" by Li Xin
Courses:
- "40 Lectures on Western Modern Thought" by Liu Qing
- "50 Lectures on Reading and Writing" by Wu Jun
- "Fund Investment Course" by Bank Screw
You can also find me here: