Rethinking Development by Harnessing Technology
with Creativity, Wisdom, and Purpose
Dr.Sanna.Ratnavel
CEO Sceba Consultancy Services ratsiit@gmail.com
In an age driven by rapid technological advancements, we stand at a crossroads where the future of the digital world demands not just innovation, but a redefinition of our relationship with technology and environment.
As humanity faces complex challenges—ranging from climate change to rising inequality—it becomes clear that relying solely on conventional wisdom or artificial intelligence to solve problems is insufficient. Instead, it is time to fine-tune our approach with human creativity, ethical insight, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Artificial Intelligence, while a remarkable communication and computation tool, should not be mistaken for a magic bullet. It is designed to augment human ability, not replacing human creativity. Right progress arises when individuals think independently and creatively, offering out-of-the-box alternatives rather than following predetermined pathways suggested by the majority or powerful entities.
Sadly, many modern societies, including those considered "advanced"—are struggling to resolve pressing issues because they continue to think within outdated paradigms and recycle familiar solutions. This lack of original thought stifles progress and weakens societal resilience.
The digital world must remain firmly under human oversight. As history has shown, when technology escapes ethical and regulatory boundaries, societies lose harmony and purpose. A world ruled by algorithms, devoid of compassion and human context, is not a world of progress; it is a world in decline.
Our economic systems reflect a deep imbalance. While technological tools proliferate, many people still suffer from poverty, hunger, and lack of access to basic needs. Greed and consumerism have widened the gap between the haves and have-nots. If every person worked simply to meet their real needs; rather than accumulating beyond reason; we could collectively achieve a more equitable world. The pursuit of luxury by a few often results in suffering for many.
Literature and books have long warned us about the dangers of blindly following authority or surrendering individual thought. Today, this caution is more relevant than ever. Technological dependency is influencing a society where people lose self-esteem, identity, and the ability to think independently. Despite the promise of new equipment, we continue to rely on outdated systems that deliver mediocre outcomes and unintended consequences.
Consider climate change: Computers evolve rapidly, yet our carbon emissions continue to rise. We cannot call ourselves "developed" if the technologies we champion contribute to ecological degradation. If a technology cannot be sustained or improved within a few years, it must be refined; both in terms of effectiveness and its impact on the world. Every innovation must be measured not only by its utility but also by its ethical, environmental, and social consequences.
Education, too, must be reengineered. Traditional methods that test memory over understanding and conformity over creativity no longer serve our needs. We must embrace real-world learning that fosters critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and practical problem-solving. Knowledge should not be confined to academic rituals; it must translate into wisdom that benefits humanity.
We must also clarify the distinction between development and production. Producing more goods does not equate to progress if it increases pollution, inequality, or mental distress. Development should be measured by the quality of life, sustainability, and inclusiveness; not by GDP alone.
In democratic societies, it is a moral contradiction for a few to claim immense wealth while many suffer in poverty. True progress is collective. It is a shared journey where the success of one does not come at the expense of another. Moreover, when our technologies actively contribute to environmental destruction, we cannot in good faith consider ourselves "advanced.
"It is time to rethink and to rebuild. To redefine what it means to be knowledgeable, wise, and truly developed. Every conscious individual—especially the learned; must step forward to eradicate poverty, protect our environment, and ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around. Only then can we create a future that is not just digital, but dignified.*****