The Age of Technology

                                                           The Age of Technology 

 

We live in the age of a technical revolution and can every day enjoy the benefits of man’s efforts to conquer groundbreaking fields of technical knowledge turned into useful tools to improve man’s life. Compared to last century, we are now living in a fully technically transformed world of innovation and discovery. Starting from medical science and its application to improve health care and treatment, we enjoy a new hopeful era of advancement in many respects. The Information, Digital Technology (IT), has thoroughly affected our lives through the use of computers as communication and entertainment devices, networking and electronic data. Even our cell phones are tiny, microscopic computers which have revolutionized the way we communicate among each other. The whole world of business, social life, entrepreneurship and all walks of life have been dramatically transformed through the emergence of the new technologies.  

Never before in human history was there such an amazing and extraordinary scientific, technological progress and advancement in less than 50 years. The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century compared to our current technological revolution seems like a small venture. However, our world is facing a lot of challenges, like pandemics, wars, poverty, conflicts, moral decay and clash of civilizations. In the face of those challenges, there are cases where technology can help and others where technology cannot do anything. Technology alone cannot solve the crucial problems of our world today. Technology and science should be accompanied by moral principles and a set of human values.  “We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.” Carl Sagan Nevertheless, our dependency on science and technology should be determined through a philosophy of loyalty and good use. Insecticides, for example, can harm the environment if used in inappropriate ways and abused.  

We may be proud of our technological and scientific achievements and benefit from such positive developments for our lives. But there are also the negative effects of technology and science that we must take into consideration.  One of the negative side effects of technology is air, water, heat and environmental pollution nowadays. Sociologists already speak of technology addiction, due to the extensive use of computers and mobile phones i.e., overexposure to technology. A lot of young people are hooked for hours in front of such a device, becoming slaves of modern age technology. “Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we’re too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone.”- Steven Spielberg Human beings are able to build super tanks, aircrafts, weapons or any super sophisticated devices with potential to destroy the “enemy”, but also create things which can benefit humankind and lead to prosperity. It is therefore a matter of priority and motivation that has to be based on moral principles and human values. Another issue is how to go about using things properly by following ethical rules and respecting privacy and human rights on a big or small scale.  

It needs to be made clear that humankind above all is facing a great challenge and this has to do with the priority of establishing peace and cooperation among nations. Then, the vehicle of science and technology has the means to achieve development and prosperity as a result of having created a world community that functions in unison and good will. Politicians must think globally and not locally and primarily consider the world community and then themselves. It’s a daunting task to find a formula that should transcend national interests, but any other practice will lead to conflict and disagreement. It is necessary to fill the gap between rich and poor, educated and non-educated, privileged and non-privileged. It should be our dream come true to create a world of brotherhood and cooperation and then through the means of science and technology realize the goal of a world of peace and prosperity. “Technology is unlocking the innate compassion we have for our fellow human beings.” Bill Gates This is not a fantasy, but within our reach, because we are equipped and qualified to do it, provided that we awaken in us the belief and innate potential to benefit others for both our sake.  

All in all, it is our duty to define science and technology in a good sense and select their benefits for human life, happiness and prosperity. The future of humankind depends on our decisions today and if we are prepared to follow the rules, principles and ethical human values. We are responsible for the upcoming generations and their future, and it’s up to us today to guarantee them their happiness and prosperity. If we fulfill our responsibility today, we won’t feel any regret tomorrow.  

The Pursuit of Excellence

         

The Pursuit of Excellence

The pursuit of excellence has been man's goal since time immemorial, and throughout history it is noticeable that man has been trying to improve and grow seeking for improvement and perfection in every aspect of his life and actions. We can see that in his daily endeavours and in the way he/she tries to face daily challenges through invention, tool upgrading and any kind of innovation. Interestingly, man’s progenitors i.e. Neanderthal and Homo sapiens already create their own tools in order to survive and adapt to their environment. Progress goes step by step and man’s efforts are targeting a higher level of achievement, including personal growth and a higher awareness about his social state and status. 

The pursuit of excellence relates also to the Holy Scriptures, since in Matthieu (5:48) we read: “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”. (English standard version) Of course, here perfection refers to character and personality growth and perfection. The religious approach to perfection is then that of spirituality in combination with a higher awareness about the meaning of life, our understanding about God, and the fulfilment of our purpose  in our earthly life. It is within our reach to achieve higher grounds, aspired by the willingness to develop our abilities, crafts, intellectual and emotional powers and above all our personality and character. To do that we have to be courageous and not be afraid of challenges and trials.  “True perfection is a bold quest to seek. Only the willing and true of heart will seek the betterment of many.” Socrates. It is an innate trait of human nature to strive for excellence and perfection; not only in creative activities, but also in relation to our own condition of improvement and self-development. Good education can help people improve their skills and learn to achieve their goals in life, beyond their material needs and prospects. 

Besides, human beings need competition and challenge in order to improve themselves and be willing to excel. In this way, a famous Greek proverb is very indicative and groundbreaking: “necessity is the mother of invention.” Necessity is to be seen as a challenge which offers motivation to overcome it and turn it into a success. The fact is that necessity can become the mother of invention. Ηοwever, in order to excel and thrive we also need to develop mental power and resilience. It’s because when you set high standards you need to work hard to achieve them, and of course never compromise when things get tough, but develop a spirit of absolute determination and toughness. We should never accept mediocrity and sub-standards as satisfactory goals or  achievements. We need a strong, relentless character with a positive attitude and thoughts. The pursuit of excellence should necessarily include the aspect of character and personality and not only the pursuit of success and financial achievements. This part will come as a logical extension of maturity and personal development, following all the social aspects that includes.“My meaning simply is that whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do well. That whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely. That in great aims and in small, I have always been thoroughly in earnest.” – Charles Dickens

Furthermore, we should have the right perspective of human perfection, growth and excellence and be willing to pursue it on a daily basis as part of our life objective. To achieve that, we should invest all our heart and will so that it becomes a joyful and enthusiastic journey. We have to make excellence a way of life. The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that, “Excellence is not a simple act, but a habit.” We should be determined to go the extra mile and show our persistence and endurance. On our way to reach higher grounds in life, we often make mistakes, encounter failure, experience disappointment and frustration and face unpredictable or unforeseen difficulties. Do we give up and change our priorities and goals? “Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.’’ Mario Andretti  When a storm comes, the good captain has to prove his capabilities and carry on in order to bring his ship to a safe harbour.  

Finally, we need wisdom and ethics, a moral code to be our guide in life. We need human values that are being taught in family and school and need to be applied along the way to reach perfection and excellence in life. As we practise and apply those values, we experience growth and a sense of achievement that empowers us to continue in order to reach our goals in life.     

Language and Culture

                                                    

Language and Culture

Throughout history, language is deeply intertwined with culture and interacts with it, creating a mosaic of artistic, linguistic and cultural expression. Even before culture appeared, language had a social function, and  was there enabling people to communicate speech, values, beliefs, customs, and therefore have an exchange. Language is only a part of the culture, while culture is a complex structure containing a variety of features that cover and extend all human creative activities. Apart from being an instrument of communication, language displays a human social identity and a cultural element that shapes the basic characteristics of religion, race, descent, origin and ethnic background. 

Humans are the only species who have developed a system of cognitive language communication, and this is why it is so important in cultures to see how they have evolved through mutual contact, communication and interaction.   “A language is not just words. It's a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is. It's all embodied in a language.” - Noam Chomsky Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly evident that in a globalised world those two aspects of human endeavour are taking an important role in shaping the modern world community. The world is rapidly changing through the mass media and social media and both are offering us new innovative ways of communication whereby language plays a pivotal road, thus forming a new advanced culture. In this sense, we see the complementary element that connects those two sides: language and culture is an inseparable duet.

The relationship between culture, language, as well as literature cannot be emphasised enough. Culture is manifested in every aspect of human endeavour expressed through the performing arts, theatre, music, literature etc. whereby language is modus vivendi and a driving force. ❝Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.❞ Rita Mae Brown Therefore, learning another language is a great way to grasp a broader aspect of a certain culture, and an amazing enrichment. According to linguistics experts, language is a cultural,  social phenomenon, and psychological experience. You can better understand people’s culture, customs and behaviour; if you have studied and learned their language. In this respect, people who have learned a foreign language in the country where this language is spoken, do benefit double, because they get to know the language, native people, and their culture, customs, mentality and habits, and in this way learning is becoming an educational and cultural event.”Absolutely nothing is so important for a nation's culture as its language.” Wilhelm von Humboldt 

Our world today is becoming increasingly inter-cultural and multilingual, and this is the result of globalisation that is now occurring. All cultures are open to intermingle with other cultures, and create a broader culture. Many students choose to continue their studies in a foreign country and in many cases stay there and integrate with their new culture. The same is true with tourism which opens new dimensions in human relationships and connects people from different languages and cultures. Another example is gastronomy and international cuisine. Nowadays, chefs  choose to expand the variety of tastes through integration and innovation. This allows them to create new recipes and tastes, opening a new territory in this field.  “I also believe that food can unite people from all walks of life and cultures. When we sit together and eat, we promote better understanding and harmony. Food brings love, peace and compassion to the table.”— Chef Wan

Furthermore, language and culture can contribute to creating a better world, a more harmonious and peaceful world. The knowledge of another language breaks down the barriers that separate people and countries and creates bridges that connect people, enabling them to freely communicate among each other and become friends. The acquisition of a language broadens one’s horizon and becomes a precious skill which is an asset for professional achievements and a    successful career. Children born in families with parents coming from different cultures and speaking different languages are becoming multicultural and multilingual which is a huge advantage and enrichment which contributes to uniting our cultures. Conflicts can also be resolved, if we care more for intercultural communication and dialogue, thus promoting better relationships among different cultures through exchange and negotiations. Respect for other cultures is very important and that also includes different religions and faiths. They might be alien to us, but it is imperative to be tolerant and open-minded, and above all accept diversity. “Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity” by Robert Alan.

Finally, we are destined to create a better world whereby language and culture have a definitive role to play.We need to work together and deconstruct any prejudice and bias in our society and accept diversity i.e. different languages and cultures by being tolerant and open-minded. Far from generating conflicts, we can transcend our differences and resolve issues through dialogue and mutual acceptance. International commerce, business and entrepreneurship shows us that we depend on each other and that we can mutually benefit if we are ready to apply norms, principles and values in the way we handle. 

Save the Planet

                                                 Save the Planet

  Our planet Earth is sending an SOS signal, especially  in recent years and the signs are seen all over the planet. Increasingly, we see climate change and its effects: wildfires, floods, global warming,iceberg melting, widespread air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water level rise, etc. What is our reaction to all this? World leaders haven’t  yet shown that they are really interested in solving the problem and cannot agree on taking the necessary measures that will enable them to face this crucial challenge. There should be a consensus to restrict gas emissions, especially in heavily industrialised countries like the USA, China, Russia, Japan and EU countries including the United Kingdom etc. Instead they are waiting by wasting precious time and pushing things to the limits and walking along the razor’s edge demonstrating inability to work together in unison. The world cannot wait anymore. Serious action is absolutely indispensible. “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”— Barack Obama

Our awareness should be raised in order to grasp the root of the problem, and become sensitised towards our individual and not only collective responsibility facing this crucial challenge. The solution starts with me, the individual and is extended to further units as society, nation and finally the world.  It should become part of our educational systems and schools to raise children’s  awareness towards the environment and nature. We are the guardians of this beautiful planet to keep it intact and to respect every single inch of its territory as it is truly our only home. Sooner or later, we will have to recognise that the Earth has rights, too, to live without polluting. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans. – Evo Morales

Fortunately, there is an increasing awareness worldwide about the environmental threats and there already exist numerous initiatives to protect the environment.  Instead of looking far away, we need to start from the individual and communal level, and this is what really matters now. Above all, we as sole stewards of this planet should develop a deeper love and awareness of our natural environment starting with recycling our waste, saving energy where we can, reuse things and reduce our daily needs. We have to educate ourselves by keeping our sea, beaches, forests, lakes and rivers, squares clean. We have to understand that our planet doesn’t have endless natural resources and need to use renewable and sustainable energy sources. Water is a common good which is vital and invaluable for human life and health as well as sustainability. We need to save water and use it with care and reduce its unnecessary use.  Water is in scarcity and we should think that there are millions of people elsewhere who don’t have this precious commodity and suffer due to its lack or their water is not clean and non potable by humans.  Also cars and industries are the main culprits for pollution and countries should work together in unison to face and solve the threat before it’s too late. A strong volunteer movement should emerge worldwide whose responsibility should be to contribute in saving our home from disasters. “Each of us can contribute, though. With our votes, our voices, our food choices, our skills and our dollars. We must overhaul both corporate practices and government policies. We must transform culture. Building community around solutions is the most important thing. I am never going to give up working to protect and restore this magnificent planet. Every bit of habitat we preserve, every tenth of a degree of warming we prevent, really does matter. Thankfully, I'm not motivated by hope, but rather a desire to be useful.”

— Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Let’s not waste time because this is a serious matter and we need to act immediately. We cannot wait anymore until the Amazon is totally extinct of endangered species, aquatic life and illegal deforestation, the oceans polluted, the continents burnt down by wildfires and no clean air to breathe.  We owe respect,  care and vigilance considering that this planet earth is our only home since we cannot migrate to other planets right now. This place was granted to us by our Creator and we as stewards and heirs should rightfully protect and elevate it as the most precious and holy place of the universe, our home.

Creationism vs Evolution

                                            

  Creationism vs Evolution 

 

 Are humans the result of Intelligent Design or random chance?

     

          There shouldn’t  be a dispute between religion and science concerning the origin of life on earth and how it evolved over time. Religion supports that God created life and above all human beings in His image, man and woman. Observing the physical visible world we can perceive His omnipotence i.e. His creative power and wisdom. However, there are so many things which we cannot really grasp about God’s creating a vast cosmos, his plan and motivation. Science’s approach about the creation of the world is based on measurable physical laboratorial evidence related to matter, so taking distance from religion or any sentimental emotional approach. We cannot arbitrarily exclude God from the process of evolution i.e. because we might be atheists. It is an accepted fact nowadays that the Bible uses symbols and metaphors in many cases in order to define time or explain things. One “day” could be thousands of years in the long process of creation. This is only one small example that these two fields can agree on many matters and not oppose each other. 

Fossils prove that evolution is a natural phenomenon that cannot be questioned, while faith is a human phenomenon that is being expressed throughout religious history and is being observed in people’s life and action. Both creationism and evolution have a common basis that doesn’t allow them to undermine each other, but to support each other. We can see “fossils” of faith recorded in human history and tradition throughout the world, from time immemorial. There is an ungodly evolution and a theistic evolution that  justifiably believes that the  God-Creator must be involved in everything and that also includes evolution. Creation follows a purpose and God is the guiding force behind that purpose. Otherwise, how could it be explained that the human being was created at the end of a long circle of time right at the point when everything was there ready to welcome the appearance of man. “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.” - Isaac Newton (1642-1727), Principia (1687) The power of religion cannot be put above the power of a God-Creator whose attributes haven’t fully been revealed by religion. However, it is also appropriate to describe God according to Christian faith, Father or Parent, rather than to totally disclose God from human affairs. A parental figure cannot be abstract. “I belong to the group of scientists who do not subscribe to a conventional religion but nevertheless deny that the universe is a purposeless accident. Through my scientific work I have come to believe more and more strongly that the physical universe is put together with an ingenuity so astonishing that I cannot accept it merely as a brute fact. There must, it seems to me, be a deeper level of explanation. Whether one wishes to call that deeper level ‘God’ is a matter of taste and definition.”

– Paul Davies

Βοth sides, religion and science agree that the cosmos and life are astonishing and mind-boggling. It’s not possible to explain life by sheer scientific knowledge. You cannot but feel fascinated by the incredible harmony, biodiversity and variety in nature, the duality and interconnections within the ecosystems and the relationships surrounded by incredible beauty, and interdependence. And all that should be the result of random chance? To believe that let us follow this analogy, imagine that in a store house there is a sudden explosion and the result is a wonderful mansion with a beautiful garden and swimming pool! Does it make sense? However, if that happens, and you are just an observer who happens to receive this gift of a mansion with a swimming pool, wouldn’t you wish to meet the donor of this property and relate to him as a sign of gratitude. My common sense is affirmative, and I would like to meet that person face to face and express my feelings to him. “They are two windows through which we look at the world. Religion deals with our relationship with our creator, with each other, the meaning and purpose of life, and moral values; science deals with the make-up of matter, expansion of galaxies, evolution of organisms. They deal with different ways of knowing. I feel that science is compatible with religious faith in a personal, omnipotent and benevolent God.”- Francisco Ayala, Evolutionary Geneticist

This debate is endless, because it encapsulates two crucial perspectives which are our trust and acceptance towards science as something tangible and measurable and our approach to religion which incorporates a spiritual dimension that requires faith and spiritual perception. Is there any spirituality in science? It all depends on the worldview and the orientation of the researcher and scientist, if he/she is a devotee or not. Having said so, it is what makes the difference between an atheist and a believer. By the same token, the very essence and meaning of science is knowledge and knowledge should lead to wisdom and higher awareness of the world we live in. Interestingly, the essence and meaning of religion is associated with the connection to God through a love relationship, a very word you won’t find in science. However, it’s only the essence of love which can save the world, lead to a higher awareness and wisdom and finally to peace, inner peace and world peace. This is the difference between science and faith. Nevertheless, true world peace can only be realised if the two sides come together and follow the pathway of convergence and unity.