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- Technological changes in the last three decades outweigh those of millions of preceding years. The
human species evolved with slower changes than those of today.
- Yesterday, we were masters of such changes; today we are their slaves. We cannot slow or stop them.
- Some people eagerly embrace all new technology. Some don’t.
- The younger you are, the more easily you adapt. But however young you are, you will grow old.
- The older you are, the more difficult it is to adapt. If you don’t, you are marginalised. Globalisation and
privatisation, the mantras of today, accentuate this process.
- Changes meant to make things faster and save time sometimes actually do so, and sometimes don’t.
- Changes meant to ease life’s burdens sometimes do, and sometimes make them more frenzied and
stressful..
- New technology means junking the old; hence enormous waste and fearsome pollution
- New technology usually reduces the importance of personal relationships.
- It is imperative to have an offspring or someone young – preferably between 3 and 30 – handy. Only
they can rescue you when you’re in trouble (frequent). The most popular name for new-borns is now F1.
- No, you cannot stop the world and get off.
You will accuse me of being against technology, against change, against all improvements. Nonsense. I
am against their unplanned consequences. Aren’t you?
1 February 2003
Aamir Ali.
THE FOUR CANDLES
(Author Unknown)
The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...
The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit. "Then Peace's flame
slowly diminishes and goes out completely.
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