“We often forget that WE ARE NATURE. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we’ve lost our connection to ourselves.”
― Andy Goldsworthy
Today’s WP prompt was exactly what I needed to tend to the fire burning under my creativity cauldron. “What’s a piece of technology you’re convinced will exist in 20 years?” is the prompt, and this is my answer.
Trees.
If you have ever spent any time with a tree, you will understand that their intelligence is slow, patient, and didn’t come from a screen.
“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and dogmas, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.”
– Hermann Hesse
Just to make sure all y’all know, my short sentences aren’t from AI, which, of course, an AI might say – you know, play no attention to the person/machine behind the curtain kind of thing. However, I can assure you that my whimsical approach to writing, as well as my ability to create beautiful artwork with punctuation and typos, makes me the real deal.
So back to the trees.
If you have ever made friends with a tree you understand the technology they have. They have community, engage in commerce/trade, make art, and mourn the passing of their friends. When the weather changes, leaves and branches become barometers. As a warm Summer wind blows in, their sounds speak of tenacity and bravery – and sometimes about being old.
While nature will be the ultimate tech that is still around in 20 years, maybe we should stop and think about where tech is going to take us in 20 years. We already spend a lot of time on our phones, which we used to give to our laptops. Social media gives us things to ponder that seem brand new, but pick up any newspaper or magazine and you will learn that there is nothing new under the Sun with human behaviors. We should be asking about how to help nature thrive and be well, you know?
I’m grateful for the tech that helps, but am starting to feel quite uncertain about the tech that isn’t.
Just some food for thought on the warm Tuesday morning.
Until next time,
~ Kimbo
