Internalizing Information

With so much information and media available to us online, it's easy to consume it in mass quantities, then quickly forget it. I sometimes fall into the trap of saturating myself with a little bit of everything I want to learn or see; in the process, I don't internalize any of it. This is why I think we should prioritize fewer things we want to read or view, and then use technology not just to consume information, but to find the best resources available. Distilling our information choices will allow us to focus in on one thing at a time, rather than attempt to juggle many ideas at once. If we find another article that interests us along the way, we can always make a note to revisit it later. As we narrow our media consumption it may feel like we're slowing down, but in internalizing what we do consume, a smaller amount of information could have a larger impact on our lives.

Similarities Found in Differences

An ethical principle or idea that generally rings true is found in something people are willing to set aside their differences for. One example comes from The Cuckoo's Egg. The main character, Cliff, comes from a radical background, yet teams up with large government agencies to catch a hacker worming his way through sensitive data. Cliff chooses to forget his differences with these agencies in order to pursue the hacker; this chase is not his job, but because he feels it is his moral obligation, he follows it through to the end. Cliff is told both by his boss and the agencies to stop his efforts; this happens several times, but in his commitment to the chase he continues. The FBI and CIA eventually rejoin, and the case is solved. Some of Cliff's ethics and procedures are entirely different from those of the formal agencies, yet both work to protect information; the ideas of privacy and security ring true to all parties involved. Like Cliff, we often find our own moral footing as we realize our similarities with opponents; this is how barriers are melted and progress is made. At times the efforts put forth by opposing sides will vary; these bumps are expected. However, as long as at least one party continues to keep the cause afloat (and that cause is still worthy,) the others should eventually return to it. After surviving such a test, outsiders may begin to recognize truth in the idea, allowing more people to forget their differences and work to a common goal.  

Revolutions

The word "revolution" is used frequently in news about technology. Promising discoveries and inventions are always on the horizon. There is a difference, however, between new technology and a product that immediately impacts society. Revolution is not the technology itself, but the effect it has on the world. If not widely adopted, even something with great potential can fail to leave its mark; it may only be considered as an example for its successors. Apple's latest updates promise a revolutionary digital wallet; Google Wallet was introduced several years ago. Few retailers support Google's version, while preparations are already underway to meet the demands of Apple's customers.  Both use roughly the same idea, but one release has a larger sphere of influence and demand than the other, marking that one as revolutionary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/opinion/the-digital-wallet-revolution.html