The Life of Luxury

As we progress with more and more technological advances, the world according to Thomas Friedman is becoming flat. These fast paced changes are allowing people to "connect and collaborate" on a global scale that was never even dreamed possible ten years ago. As technology advancements continue, the way business and personal life is done will change drastically as well. It is up to us as individuals, consumers, and business people to sort out how we use the technology we are given.

On page 248, Friedman uses former secretary of state, Colin Powell to describe how the world has flattened. In the beginning of Colin Powell’s career as secretary of state, when he needed information on something, he had aides who would do the research for him. Now he is able to do a Google search to find what he was looking for. He was able to contact foreign leaders through emails, instant messaging, the use of cell phones. Friedman states, "…when the world goes flat, hierarchies are not being leveled just by little people being able to act big. They are also being leveled by big people being able to act really small—in the sense that they are enabled to do many more things on their own."

It may seem like the aides of Colin Powell and others have lost their jobs due to technology advances, many more are created by these same advancements. However, Friedman believes that it is necessary to set yourself apart from the others of your like trade. On page 277, Friedman says, "In many global industries now, you have to justify you job every day with the value you create and the unique skill you contribute. And if you don’t, that job can fly away farther and faster than ever." I think the idea of people having to push themselves more is really beneficial to everyone, not just the individual who is excelling. Of course then if other people are benefiting from your innovations and using your ideas, then the competition will only be closer, which would then mean you would have to work harder to get ahead. Competition only makes you work harder to ensure that you can be the best. Friedman rambles on about how it is important to make yourself as and individual and as a business "untouchable." The importance of this is valid because of our human nature to evolve; the survival of the fittest is a concept that fits virtually everywhere.

I agree that it does present America and the rest of the world with more opportunities than it does dangers, if these opportunities and advancements are used wisely. Yes, things can always hinder us, but only if we do not use it to our advantage. I believe as only one small individual out of many humans, that we cannot only look out for what is going to be good for ourselves as individuals, or for Americans. It is important that all of human kind is able to evolve and advance with the same opportunities as we are here. It can only make the world some what better than it is. I’m sure that it as with any problem is not just going to be smooth sailing, the swells of life are huge enough to tip any boat, but that is when you would push yourself harder to come back out on top. Of course not everything that can be has been invented; people are always going to make innovations to make our lives easier. However, I do feel like we need to define the line between what are needs and what are just wants or luxuries, and how much is too much to own in this very materialistic world.