Do You Feel That Humanity Is Benefiting More or Hurting More Because of Technological Advancements?

We strive for better, more comfortable lives, which is natural. But do we attach the right intention to it? Do we correct the “human being” in us while doing so, i.e., elevating us above our animal level to the level where we relate to each other through the most exalted human-specific qualities of love, care, support, and encouragement?

If we act with an aim to correct ourselves for the world’s benefit, i.e., to change our inborn egoistic intention for self-benefit at others’ expense to an altruistic intention to benefit others and nature, then we can act freely. Otherwise, our actions bring troubles, wars, and disasters.

Humanity progresses by fleeing suffering. Each generation pushes forward, pressed by the relentless force of evolution, what we call “the steamroller of evolution” in the wisdom of Kabbalah. We rush ahead without knowing why, compelled by unseen pressures.

For millennia, this pattern drove us through the first three levels of nature: still, vegetative, and animate. Now, we face our evolutionary limit. Though technological opportunities abound more and more, we find ourselves increasingly dissatisfied, and we thus question their purpose. Nanotechnology and the Internet offer much, but why do we need them?

The Internet mostly reveals our emptiness. Much of its content is trivial, empty of messages that truly benefit us. Even science, instead of elevating humanity to new levels of fulfillment and happiness, adds to this void. These tools highlight the fact that our problem is not solvable with technological means.

Although technology continues progressing, we fail to progress in our attitudes to each other, the place where we can truly progress to another level of existence. Deep down, we no longer feel the need for endless technological progress. Decades ago, during the hippie era, similar doubts emerged. Progress seemed to strip life of meaning, reducing us to machines. Birth, work, and death became the formula, leaving many disillusioned.

Without developing the human level within us, i.e., the next level of existence where we discover positive connections to each other through discovering the positive force that dwells in nature, technological progress stalls. Culture and upbringing might help, but we need deeper, more essential results. The unfulfilled desire, or Reshimot (spiritual data or records), stirs in us, exposing emptiness that technology cannot fill.

Why can we not solve this? Technology creates the illusion we can easily improve ourselves. But true inner change requires a higher, spiritual force. Earthly means fail to correct human nature. Until humanity realizes this, the situation will remain unchanged.