Why not?

This is the question that we should ask ourselves when we imagine something futuristic and far-fetched. Unless the subject in question defies scientific laws, it is likely to be possible in the future, albeit distant. This is the spirit of innovation, and it is one of the biggest driver of technology. It is intangible, unlike a mechanical device, and it is derived from the sea of imagination that is inherent in every single human being. There are many forms of innovation, basically, if you can think it, you can attempt to do it. If you do, you might change the world.

However, in our current plight, it seems that innovation is no longer optional, it has become mandatory. Our circumstances have put us in a rock and a hard place, where we have no choice but to innovate and come up with new ideas, simply because the world is changing. Although change can be positive, it is the negative ones that are motivating innovation. For example, the fact that fossil fuels are non-renewable have resulted in innovation that seeks to sap energy from sunlight or wind. It is no longer elective, as all life on earth could end if sufficient measures are not taken before the energy crisis hits us. Even in the business world, the most innovative individuals are the ones who make it big. An important message is that innovation is not only key to success and sustainability; it has become an essential ingredient.

Another interesting hypothesis is the claim that supply can create demand. Many economists would probably look at me in disdain but I believe it is possible, and history has proven so. For instance, the Internet came along and swept everyone off their feet. Before the internet, no one actually demanded such a large-scale thing. Yet, after it was introduced, billions of people around the world are now using it everyday. At the same time, it is no longer solely about feasibility and practicality anymore. Innovation and novelty are powerful selling points of a new product as well. It is possible that people can come up with a use for something anyway. In a simple context, if there are always SMU students, there will always be a demand for professors to educate them. Supply creates demand.

At the start of the lesson, the video about claytronics fascinated me. Here is a short excerpt.

It's ability seems boundless. Basically, man can form whatever they want from this technology. Girls can have a soft toy that changed form to any cartoon character by wish. Many things can serve as multipurpose tools. One tool is enough for a toolbox. A lot of space can be saved. I am for this technology. However, I feel that these minirobots should remain dead though, as it would be frightening to have something of such versatility rebel against the human race. Similarly to the grey goo, we could be eradicated. Nanotechnology can change the world, but we must tame it to ensure nothing get out of control.

Robots are a captivating concept. Even the human sized ones. Japan has come up with a female human-size robot that claims to be the perfect woman. It can understand man. For the unfaithful, you can cheat on it and it won't even know. I guess the Japanese asked 'Why not?' when asked if a robot can replace a lady as a companion, but it was quite perturbing for me. Upon seeing that video, it struck me that the scientists who came up with that must be really eccentric. My question was similar to theirs, 'Why not?', just that i refer to the claim that it can replace a real woman. It is not possible. Human thoughts, touch and emotions are things that cannot be replicated in a relationship with a robot. The man might as well be having a relationship with himself, and only making himself feel better with a physical object next to him. There could never be love. Love is about imperfections and living with someone else that you can cuddle, love, quarrel and argue with. It is not about finding the perfect person that lives a life dedicated to fulfilling a man's ego.

I feel that the lesson lacks something. It lacks a discussion of the techniques on the process of innovation. It would be very helpful to everyone to learn to process of innovating, and would certainly be a key asset and life skill in the future. Despite the inability to 'teach' innovation, at least the students can derive a bit of inspiration from a skill set and attune themselves to thinking in a way to bring out the best in themselves. That is something we can delve into.

This has been one of the most interesting classes, as the many videos depict the exciting future that we have ahead of us. It is also one of the most interesting lessons, probably because imagination is involved. TWC has been a lot of work, but it has brought insight into my life. It is unbelievable that it is going to end soon.

9/10