Is the world changing as rapidly as we think?
I watched a video of artificial intelligence (GANs) translating waterfall doodles into complex landscapes with my son.
I sighed, “Technology is changing the world so fast!”
But then I thought about a similar conversation I had with my Dad in 1980. And my Dad’s conversation with his father during World War II. The way parents share change with children is much the same today as centuries ago.
The change we see around us is like water flowing through society’s waterfall: spray grows as water pressure rises. Yet, the waterfall’s path may remain the same for centuries.
Society hosts many largely static waterfalls: societal elements that remain constant despite the high pressure of the currents they host. The water flowing through those falls is accelerating: data cycles and decision-making times compress, and the churn of businesses that lead society accelerates.
Yet, waterfalls, themselves, are unchanged by the water. Women’s reproductive rights and gun rights remain largely the same as 45 years ago, despite roiling debate about abortion and violence. The top US universities are the same as 75 years ago, despite accelerating research. And the families at the top and bottom of American earning power are fairly static, despite the economy’s speed.
Before allocating socially responsible resources, see what’s changing and what’s not. Would a course of action add more water, or would it materially change where the waterfall flows?
Developing a coherent strategy to shift a societal waterfall requires new insights, tools, and greater collaboration. Yet your impact on those around you, as well as your personal benefit, may be longer lasting.
What’s your own preference? Do you want to increase the size of today’s spray, or shift the waterfall your grandchildren will enjoy? Either activity can benefit society and satisfy you, but the impact differs.
Share your thoughts in the comments or by sending me an email: info@RodWallacePhD.com.
Our society cannot just survive. For the sake of our children, it must thrive.
Rod
Dr. Rod Wallace is an economist, consultant, and speaker who helps businesses make more money by solving society’s problems. A Fulbright Fellow, he has led multi-organization billion-dollar initiatives worldwide and partnered with a Silicon Valley pioneer to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on society.
Rod speaks about how to integrate social responsibility into business to maximize profit and purpose. He highlights digital technology’s impact on society and the strategies and tools with which business can solve our big, systemic problems.
Contact Rod at info@RodWallacePhD.com.