technological titans but moral minnows

We have developed the internet and with it the ability to cast our thoughts to the four corners of the world. We talk of free speech, and sites where we can post our comments, speech and video for public consumption are increasing daily.

And yet, how many of us stop to think of our responsibilities? With freedom comes the responsibility of our actions. Does it add to the welfare of all if we post derogatory comments? Do we increase the total of human happiness if we upload pictures of violence?

"Liberty causeth man to overstep the bounds of propriety, and to infringe on the dignity of his station. Say, True liberty consisteth in man's submission unto My commandments, little as ye know it." Baha'i Writings.

lifetime guarantee anyone?

Once upon a time much equipment was built to last. Witness the old washing machines and such in museums. But precious few now last very long. My printer broke down last week. I bought it new just two years ago.

What is the prospect of getting equipment that is built to last longer? After all, it would mean using less resources, and less need for recycling or waste tips (aka landfill). But alas no. After all, the job of consumers is to consume. That means the manufacturers bringing out new models every year and making the older models obsolete.

More information, less knowledge?

We are surrounded by information being presented to us in a multitude of ways. Indeed the term "Information Overload" has been often used to describe how we seem to be drowning in a torrent of information. Yet we seem to be less certain of our knowledge, and more reluctant to take the information at face value. Possibly the more effort expended in publicity campaigns may be having the reverse effect. People appear to be suspicious, and look for the 'hidden agenda'. Belief in conspiracy theories looks to be growing in certain sections of the population.
Everyone is looking for solutions to the problems they see around them, but many are not sure where to turn.

I am prompted in these musings, as I ponder a reworking of the training manual to be used for new staff in our department. Sometimes newcomers bring useful new ideas, but sometimes they reject what is already working just because it is forced upon them.