Gods of Distraction

In 2018, I presented "The Future of Everything, Part 2" where I unpacked ideas, insights and predictions about the future of (almost) everything.

One of the sections of this talk was my feeble attempt at Latin (via Google Translate 2018), where I called out the key phases of technology:

Deorum ex machina (Gods of the machine)
- The Calculation Wave
- The Information Wave

Deorum in machina (Gods in the machine)
- The Social Wave
- The Tidal Wave

Deus est machina (God IS the machine)
- The Final Wave

As we approach this "Final Wave," it's crucial to reflect on where we place our attention and how it shapes our reality.

We're bombarded by information from all sides - mainstream, alternative and social media alike. Algorithms feed our attention to keep us outraged, afraid, and feeling powerless.

But what if we reclaimed our attention?

I rarely discuss my concept of God, but I appreciate the Balinese Hindu approach - empty seats atop their altars, recognising the futility of giving form to the infinite.

Let's consider "God" as that which we can't fully comprehend - the source, the greatness, the inspiration at 2am, the 'coincidences' that feel more planned than accidental, the power beyond our understanding.

Khalil Gibran said, "Love is Work Made Visible." Our connection to this 'God', to each other, to our purpose, is similar. It's not passive - it's active creation.

We connect to this concept of god through:

• Meditation and stillness

• Creating and learning

• Collaboration and problem-solving
  

Not through endless doom-scrolling. The power isn't there. The power is within. The kingdom of heaven is within.

As technology evolves, so must our approach to attention and creation. Where we place our attention is where we create.

What we can't control shouldn't consume us. I'm not saying that we shouldn't get angry or express fury at injustice and domination. It's about using that fuel of fury and channeling it into creating something: a solution, art, a conversation, a community.

Are you paying attention to what you don't want, or focusing on what you do? Are you consumed by what you don't have, or are you appreciating where you are right now?

What if we turned off the "perpetual doom-scrolling" and tuned into our innate power to create change?

Millions are "awake" to the world's problems. But awareness without action leads to unproductive anger and paralysis.

What if millions united to focus on creating the world we want to see?

I'm committing to being more mindful of what I pay attention to, remembering where my true power lies. Will you join me?

As we move towards "Deus est machina," let's ensure we're not losing our humanity, our connection to each other, and our capacity to create positive change.

What are paying attention to? How are you navigating volumes of content while staying connected to your inner "God"?

Creating is next to Godliness.

We’re creating something big at Faster Zebra, where good things come to those who make.

#Technology #Evolution #Mindfulness #PositiveChange