TECHNOLOGY: INNOVATION AND INDIGENOUS WISDOM

In our relentless pursuit of technological advancement, have we paused to consider what we might be losing?

While the digital age undeniably connects us across continents and unleashes unprecedented creative expression, it also casts a long shadow over our capacity for focused thought(aka Doom Scrolling), threatens the irreplaceable experience of deep immersion in traditional mediums like books, and subtly erodes the very foundations of authentic human connection.

The ancient Egyptian symbol of life, the Ankh. Its importance stems from its multifaceted representation of life, immortality, and the connection between the mortal and divine realms. What can we learn or hypothesize about Egyptians relationship with life and how can we use that wisdom in 2025 USA?

Consider the pervasive "too much screen time" phenomenon: a stark reminder of how the seductive allure of digital platforms risks displacing the essential human experiences that nourish our souls. What price do we pay when virtual interactions begin to overshadow the richness of face-to-face encounters? We are physically alone, but connected to many. We must be aware of how this change in humanity is effecting each one of our mental health.

AI, with its awe-inspiring capacity for information processing, promises to revolutionize our world. Yet, can its algorithms ever truly replicate the nuanced wisdom forged in the crucible of lived experience, the intuitive understanding that defines our humanity?

My friend and colleague, Vicente saying prayers to bless our friend, Joses new house in Cusco, Peru. Vicente lives in the Sacred Valley and is Quechua, descendent of the Inca people. When we think of indigenous wisdom and why ancient wisdom matters in the modern world, we must consult people like Vicente and the people of the Sacred Valley.

This fundamental disparity forces us to confront profound questions about the very essence of being human, especially at this pivotal juncture in history, where technological progress accelerates at a dizzying pace. The concerns surrounding our growing reliance on technology are not mere anxieties but urgent warnings. However, we have been here before. Our largest flaw as humans is our disconnect from history and the massive changes that have come before us.

What will it be like to be a child in rural Madagascar as technology becomes as prevalent as growing food is around the world?

The insidious societal pressure to cultivate a flawless digital persona, even to the point where lacking an Instagram account can jeopardize employment prospects, reveals a treacherous "slippery slope" towards technological dependence and the potential for digital exclusion.

Enter "The Selfie". I suppos the smart phones catapulted humans ability to take "selfies". Now, all of the planet, people are documenting their lives for their virtual platforms. What is the next step in this evolution? Will humans have cameras in their anatomy that allows other people to see their whole lives? The rapid trajectory and advancement of social media is changing how humans connect with themselves, with a place and with people in the world.

We must, with unwavering critical resolve, examine the ethical ramifications of this trajectory. Our collective imperative is to ensure that technology serves as a tool to enhance, not diminish, the fundamental aspects of what it means to be human – our connection to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us. One of our slogans at the Karuna Project, is "Reconnecting Humans to Humanity" and we see this question becoming highly important in the days to come. Human on fellow humans!

Thank goodness for outdoor recreation and old fashion, human powered, exploration. The natural world can teach us a lot about what it means to be a human being. Keep being human and moving on this planet with your mind, body and soul.