Technological advancement is a unique attribute to the human race (on Earth), and one that has happened at a startling rate. In a relative blink of an eye we have moved from using simple flint tools to exploring the outer reaches of our Galaxy.
And yet as each generation comes along, the technology available at the time is taken for granted. In my lifetime I have seen the introduction of Video Recorders, Compact Discs, Microwave Ovens, Digital Versatile Disc and the video game (I still remember first seeing a friends Atari Pong game from the early '70's). Maybe because I used to be an Engineer contributes to my continuing wonder at each technological breakthrough and the vision of those who develop it (a friend of mine at University in the early '90's was convinced 3D TV was going to be the future and all the electrical stores now stock them as standard).
My three year old daughter got a Leapster Explorer for Christmas which she loves. It has a touch screen which she uses without even thinking. She knows how to look at photos on my touch screen phone, and can not understand when she tries to operate my old laptop by touching the screen and nothing happens. She will grow up in world of gadgetry, some of which will fall by the wayside (she will probably never need to use a VHS or audio cassette), some will transform how she lives her life. Will we be be able to sustain the rate of advancement indefinitely, who knows? Will we be able to use all future technologies for purely peaceful purposes or will we remain an advanced race that is cursed by its violent tendencies?
Despite all the technology at our disposal to entertain and amuse us during our ever increases periods of free time you still can't beat a walk along the beach on a sunny day with the family running around and the air filled with the sound of the sea, nature and children laughing as the play.
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