Many of you are aware today is July 4, a day of celebration for the United States. For those not so with this, they have not seen the science fiction Independence Day movie, or do not know, today the Americans celebrate their independence. To be more precise: July 4, 1776, 56 members of Congress, which included famous names such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, met to approve the Declaration of the independence of the United States, document which also laid the groundwork for the later independence across the length and breadth of the American continent. Then, I offer a couple of thoughts on the matter.
First of all, you may wonder what has to do all this with Apple and with a technology blog. In the first instance, the common and obvious place: Apple is a company based in the United States, so today is a celebration for them. But, in addition, it would be possible to fantasize with what-if, could say – and exaggeration - that if the independence of his country had not happened, today maybe the Apple company would not exist, or would not do so in the same way. Can you imagine a world without the iPhone or iPad? Check a little more: imagine a world without the possibility of having a personal computer?
Let us remember that the values of independence raised that all men are born equal and have inalienable rights. Among them, are liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This allows us to think that, basically, one is happy to meet their goals and objectives of life, and that it is only possible thanks to the freedom. Since its inception, Apple had these concepts in mind, if they do not remember or have not seen, the following video of Steve Jobs Stanford gives proof of this: "stay hungry, stay foolish".
However, with the concept of "independence" in mind, I would like to invite the following reflection: what so independent of the technology we are? Product of globalization today is the development of an everyday day without the use of a computer, a cell phone or a smartphone, or any other technical device virtually unthinkable. In addition, the planning of our lives and our social activities are going hand in hand with the consultation and the use of online services and applications. The app culture is unstoppable. On the other hand, yesterday I came across the following video of John Rettinger of TechnoBuffalo where raises have changed their device iOS and Android for a Blackberry to avoid "addiction" and technological dependence. Then, this is my question: we are free to the technology or are tied to it? The stories of machines ruling the world in the films Terminator series already does not seem unique stories of the science fiction genre.
Personally, a time I feel a bit like Rettinger: my work, academic life, and my projects, are all related, somehow, microchips and bit, and I can hardly think of a present - and future - without them. My solution is not as drastic as a limit to the use of specific computer but provides for a similar idea: attempt the activities of my Sundays are away from monitors and screens, which are days of family, friends, and, why not, a good book.
I know that for some this post in general contains sensitive subjects. Do not miss those who accuse me of extremist for raising the isolation of the technology, or who I labelled imperialist or anti-nacionalista by the mere fact devote a publication to the United States (although, in fact, take it as a starting point for something else). In my defence I can say I am first and foremost a human being, and the simple idea of the existence of freedom, that have people - and country-to enjoy inalienable rights is something worthy of hold and spread. And speaking of "catch" I mean not only this feeling but the freedom and the same independence. Unfortunately, nowadays do not all enjoy the same privileges as us; terribly, there are still cases where openly express an opinion on a blog or leave a comment on a post are synonyms of persecution and punishment.
Finally, returning to the technological aspect, let us use intelligently the current and new technologies and technical devices. We intervene, we ensure that they are used for the dissemination of feelings and maxims to speak of freedom, and not otherwise: that the technological innovations we move away from censorship and slavery, that changes in these sciences provide equal rights and access to them. In addition, that the acquisition of a new Mac, a new iPhone or iPad go hand in hand with - healthy - achieving personal goals, compliance with our rights, and education. Nothing serves as a political campaign to divide computers for schools if there is no one trained to teach children, there is no point purchasing a computer to watch video in high definition if even today our leaders still treating technology with models and perspectives of early 20th century or earlier. In a very close relationship with this, the philosophy of independence said: Governments can only govern with the consent of the governed.
We are intelligent, healthy, and strategic. Let us be free.
Happy independence day to all the readers of United States, and why not, for those in other corners of the world.
