Can you name a few?

I’m sure you can. What comes to your mind first?

When thinking about examples of Technology, my bet is that, the first things that come to mind are things like the Super Computer, a robot running on a dose of Artificial Intelligence, a pair of Oculus Rift VR glasses, a Self-Driving Car, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner etc. or perhaps any other technology you commonly use in your day-to-day life, or perhaps used in your line of work. While these may be the first examples of technology that comes to mind, these are definitely not the only examples. Technology is everywhere around us. We use it every single day. However, when we hear the word Technology, the only things that comes to mind are only the latest additions to this treasure chest – sometimes only what is in the cutting edge. 

Here are a few examples of Technology, spanning from the oldest to the newest, and a wide range of geography: 

• Chiseled Stone

• Bow/Arrow

• Managed Fire

• Wheel

• Medicine

• Concrete

• Gun Powder

• Printing Press

• Money

• Managed Electricity

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles

• Computer

• Internet

• Mobile Phone

• IBM Watson

• Blockchain

Some of these may be obvious, while others may appear dumb or simply wrong. That is, if we look at technology only from the perspective of its association/attribution in modern times. Technology, in modern times typically refers to high-tech or cutting edge-technology, technology that is being newly developed or is only available to a very small segment of the population. That may lead us to believe technology is only about electronics, artificial intelligence or Blockchain. However, if we look at technology from the perspective of its definition (anything that allows us to extend our natural capabilities), technology could be as simple as the piece of paper in your wallet or the wheel of your bicycle or the fire burning on your stove.

Thus, we see that technology is pretty much omni-present. And there is perhaps no human being who is untouched by technology or has not ever used it. So, why does an average human being (especially people older than 40 years) become uncomfortable at the mention of technology. The reason is simple because we tend to understand “Hi-Tech” or “Cutting-edge Technology” when we hear the word “Technology”. Thus, even the common man is a technologist in a way. 

In fact, the issue typically is that common man may find it difficult to adapt to newer technology and try to stick to older technology they are familiar with.