The advancement of technology generally evokes a range of emotions. Many people believe technology is slowly destroying the fabric of our society, reducing human interaction, taking away jobs and becoming the root of labour exploitation. Others, view technology as a way to bring society closer together and help provide solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges.
Here at FutureScot we think the latter. Digital Society 2017 is about how we can use digital innovation to create to social change in Scotland.
But nobody makes change without motivation, and like any other millennial, I do love an inspirational quote to get me through the day. So happy Friday day folks, here are some of my favourite tech quotes to keep you on track.
- Starting with one of my all-time favourites, even if there is no actual evidence Henry Ford ever said this…
‘If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.’
Henry Ford, Founder of Ford Motor Company
- On being extraordinary…
‘One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man’
Elbert Hubbard, American Writer & Philosopher
- On empowering the masses…
‘Social media has created a historical shift from the historically powerful to the historically powerless. Now everyone has a voice’
Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook
- If you are thinking about launching a start-up…
‘Resilience is about being able to look your fear in the eyes’
Lynette Wallworth, Australian Artist
- Let’s not create a Frankenstein…
‘If we continue to develop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner’
Omar Bradley, General, US Army
- Can we use this philosophy for people too?
‘Just because something doesn’t do what you planned doesn’t mean it was useless’
Thomas Edison, American Inventor
- Tech is good but people are better…
‘Technology is nothing. What is important is that you have faith in people, that they are basically good and smart, and if you give them the tools they’ll do wonderful things with them.’
Steve Jobs, Co – founder of Apple
- What Steve said…
‘Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.’
Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft
- But we can’t fight it, we must move with it…
‘Technology is anything that wasn’t around when you were born’
Alan Kay, Computer Scientist
- And finally, technology is all about creating news things…
‘All sorts of things can happen when you’re open to new ideas and playing around with things.’
Stephanie Kwolek, American Chemist
