Saturday, July 18, 2015

Future Shock by Alvin Toffler (Reflection)

         


          "Nothing is constant on Earth except change."

          A quotation like this has something to do with the book "Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler for it is more about foretelling the evolution of our world from the older to the technology era and on how the people adapt and don't adapt to these rapid changes. But could it be possible that we will be shocked or even overwhelmed by the fast-paced changes in the future?


          How basic and unsophisticated the kind of lifestyle people has centuries ago. With the use of simple machines and any other technologies that they have during their time, their daily activities were already eased yet they are satisfied with what these can do to them. But with the advent of the modern technology, many things transformed so swiftly. Numerous flashy gadgets emerged and various devices converted from manual to automatic. Furthermore, stuffs like these were made even better and splendid due to the innovations caused by industrial revolution or competition. The existence of these things now serves as tools for us to finish works at our convenience, give us enjoyment during our free time, interact with others who are away from us, etc. Yet these are very important on every sector of the government and economy in fulfilling transactions quickly and easily. Just how amazing modern technologies work for our comfort, far more different from the inventions before. However, technological evolution is just a fragment from the whole thing about change.


          No one can definitely predict and exactly picture out the future.And considerably, future arrives together with change. Thus, we are to expect that there are changes (either gradual or drastic) in the future. Everyday, there is actually at least a slight trace of change that unfold in ourselves or in our surroundings. In the long run, those slight changes slowly become evident. Fast forward to the future, being shocked or overwhelmed by changes is no longer possible because we are already exposed and adaptive to it in our daily lives. It is only when you ride the science-fiction invention called "time machine" that you will be completely flabbergasted to see the future.


          An issue about generation gap is present because the oldies today are still clinging to the things, customs, culture, etc. that their generation has before while in fact living in the digital world, wherein we, youths of today, already has the modernized all. This so-called generation gap is perhaps due to the drastic changes that occur in our world that the elders today still find it hard to adapt to it. But, to bridge the said gap, both elders and youngsters need adaptability, understanding of both backgrounds, and being considerate.


          Change is, of course, inevitable. There's nothing that we can do to defy these changes but to go along with it. And we must accept the reality that nothing remains forever and everything does change. That’s why we should cope with the said impermanence by facing it, embracing it, and being adaptive to it for us to survive in this ever changing world. We must consider to ourselves that change is part of our lives and we are part of change. Let go of the past, focus on the present, and anticipate for the future. Let's just hope that we will change for the better in the future, and pray to the Almighty God that we will always be safe in facing our journey in life full of changes.

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