What is the Meaning and Purpose of Technology? Why are we racing forward at breakneck speed, conquering new heights and space, while leaving our “earthly problems” unresolved? Why was a four-legged horse the fastest mode of transport for most of human history, yet now the number of transistors in processors doubles every 24 months? Humanity has made a massive leap forward and continues to accelerate. But what have we truly achieved? Are we becoming twice as happy every 24 months?

The Attempt to Regain a Lost Paradise

There’s a phrase—“the attempt to regain a lost paradise.” I think it aptly reflects why this technological race is happening. And I’m not talking about releasing two new iPhones a year, but about real innovations. At home, we can brew excellent coffee with a coffee machine, wash dishes in a dishwasher, let a robot vacuum clean up spilled rice in the kitchen, check blood oxygen levels, and so on.

Now imagine, just for a moment, a few centuries ago—your “washing machine” was a river, like the Moskva River, and laundry took far more time than it does now. Yet, the question remains—are we any happier today?

The Community vs. the State

One important factor is the role of new technologies in challenging centralized state systems. A prime example of this is blockchain (Bitcoin and beyond). This technology decentralizes financial transactions and more, ensuring no single institution knows who sent money to whom.

In theory, only lawbreakers should be interested in this, but many law-abiding citizens also dislike the idea of constant surveillance. Blockchain allows decentralization in areas like DNS services, enabling platforms like WikiLeaks to avoid government censorship and accept cryptocurrency donations.

Technology as the Key to Happiness?

The direction humanity is heading may prove to be a dubious one. Technology as a path to a better life is a beautiful illusion, when in reality, it’s often about profit. We don’t need technological crutches to be genuinely happy. Listening to a vinyl record, for instance, might bring more joy than a randomly curated playlist on Spotify “just for you.”