Sep 10th 08
Someone should invent…
On August 18th, I twittered:
From now on, instead of announcing “Someone should invent…” I will put forth that “Someone should mass produce and distribute…”
My point was that it’s silly to say that something should be invented because the simple creation of some incredibly useful object does not equate with my owning said object, or said object changing the world for the better. For example, when I say, “Someone should invent windows that absorb sunlight and turn it into usable energy,” what I really mean to say is: “Someone should produce and distribute these windows so that I can use them in my home and make the world a better place to live.”
Defiantly stating that “someone should invent” is even sillier when the invention has already seen the light of day. And, of course, the windows from my example have already been invented.
The phrase, “Someone should invent,” is useless in 2008. Our problem is not lack of invention; it’s lack of funding for production and mass distribution. Brilliant minds have already solved the energy problem. Now it’s our job, and the job of our leaders, to transfer the solutions from paper to reality. McCain’s offshore drilling won’t do that. Obama’s investment in Green technology will.
Just now I was reading an interview with Thomas Friedman about the Green Revolution and what he calls the next great global industry. In it, he quotes Jeff Wacker, a futurist, who said: “The future’s already here, folks. It’s just not widely distributed.”
That’s the point I was trying to make when I twittered on August 18th.
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Chris Lopez on Sep 11th 08
Excellent point. And, I might add, and of course am — duh — very Millennial of you. At least, it seems so to me.
But snarky comments aside, I could not agree more. We do not lack of invention in this country. In fact, it is, and always has been, America’s strongest assest, the ability to invent and re-invent. The problem lies in a constipated system run by an older generation that won’t allow the mass production and distribution of in intelligent, creative, and very useful innovation.
Yet another argument for allwoing GenX and GenY to step up and lead. A good first step is electing Obama.
Have you registered to vote in San Fran, Adam? Please do. I’ve been reading articles discussing the importance of young people like yourself voting.
Adam Polselli on Sep 11th 08
Exactly. McCain just doesn’t seem to be able to wrap his head around the Green Revolution and precisely what it means for the world. We don’t need an oil diet. We need to completely revolutionize the way we produce and use energy.
Friedman’s point was that there’s a terrific amount of money to be made from the development of a so-called “Green economy,” and Obama definitely seems to understand that. McCain does not. By taking the lead, America could make great steps to rectify the damage done by George W.
Also, regarding voting, I got an absentee ballot so that my vote counts in Oakland County. It will have a lot more weight there, rather than in San Francisco where the majority is Democrat.
Stephanie K on Sep 12th 08
Someone should invent a warp pad so that I can come visit you whenever I please. Err…someone should mass produce and distribute inexpensive warp pads to the public.
Adam Polselli on Sep 12th 08
@Stephanie K: Yes, they absolutely should!
Pat on Sep 21st 08
Hi. I’m gonna be making a comment completely irrelevant to your blog, but I was hoping you’d pay attention anyways.
I would like you use your creation that you posted on CSS Zen Garden and modify and edit some parts. Credits to you, of course.
I was hoping to create a website of my own, and I just have zippo ideas on CSS. :)
Please and thank you.
iftee on Oct 13th 08
Really good post…
We the third world people face these problems more frequently..