by Dan Bloom, producer
To the technophobe among us, Parag and Ayesha Khanna are here to help. Actually, if you’re reticent about technolgy, they’re more likely to scare you into caring, but it will be helpful in the end.
Their ebook ‘Hybrid Reality’ argues that technology has become the driving force behind much of our societal progress, and those who understand this are calling ever more of the shots.
The Khannas are especially fond of the german term ‘technik,’ which connotes not just an effective use of technology, but a keen awareness of its effects. Look no further for an example where technik is needed than our reliance on coal-fired electricity to power a penchant for electronics.
To the techie, the Khannas’ message is enthralling, and for the ostrich who rather find solace in sand, they would counsel: understand technology, for it is already hard at work understanding you.
Parag and Ayesga Khannas websites paragkhanna.com ayeshakhanna.com
Hybrid Reality institute
Parag Khanna TED Talk
I listened to the interview this morning — or at least part of it and was intrigued by the concepts.
But have the authors ever considered or included in their axioms that the explosion of our digital word hinges on cheap fossil fuel energy — oil, gas, coal — and should either of these sources, or all three of them at once, encounter some disaster, we would be thrown back to the Dark Ages?
PSN