Making sense of the world is different for everyone. We all rely on our five senses to supply inputs to our brains and assimilate them. It’s amazing to see the advances in technology that make computer inputs that essentially mimic what we’re born with. I recently read a book called What the Dog Knows by Cat Warren. The book explores the world of “working dogs” and the amazing things dogs can do with training and expert handling. Ms. Warren discusses the attempts of technologists to create devices to do drug or cadaver detection using a sensor device—so far, the dogs can’t be beat. I recall reading this section with mild concern whether technology will supplant the working dogs and their handlers, who I love and admire in the book. Technology has the potential to make our world a better place but at what cost?
During this COVID-19 Pandemic, many people have returned to simpler pleasures—getting outdoors to explore Mother Nature, spending time with each other, doing puzzles, playing games, reading and more. As much as I love technology, I enjoy these types of pursuits as well. I enjoy taking time to walk my dog and loyal companion, Reid, and I usually allow him to stop and smell as much as he wants along the way. I’m not sure what he smells, but I do know that walking him will always be more pleasurable than walking with a device that detects the scents in our world.
I’m optimistic that we’ll find the right balance between nature and technology, making the world a better place for all.
First published in our September 2020 IT Radix Resource newsletter
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