I would like to start my essay with a question: does technology improve human life or harm it? Among other things, this question is answered in the video "Tim Cook's MIT Commencement Address 2017".
Apple CEO Tim Cook gave a speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to congratulate the class of 2017. He praised MIT and Apple for their shared love of finding big ideas and solving difficult problems. Cook spoke about his own personal journey to find his purpose, which he finally found when he joined Apple. He believes that working towards something greater than oneself is the key to finding meaning and purpose in life, and he challenged the graduates to ask themselves how they will serve humanity.
Cook also emphasized that technology alone is not the solution to the world's problems and that it can even be a part of the problem. He cited a meeting with Pope Francis, who expressed concerns about technology's impact on humanity. Cook concluded by encouraging the graduates to use their knowledge of science and technology to solve the world's hardest problems while also being mindful of the potential adverse consequences, for example, online harassment and the unintended consequences of artificial intelligence. These are just a few examples of the challenges we face. And as the people who are going to create the next generation of technology, students have a responsibility to help solve them. Students have a responsibility to use their skills and knowledge not just for personal gain but for the greater good. That's what it means to serve humanity.
Some of the students may be thinking, "I'm just one person. What can I do?" But the truth is, every great change in the world starts with a single person. Every movement, every innovation, and every breakthrough begins with someone who dares to imagine a better future and then works to make it a reality. As students, they have the potential to be a force for good in the world.
But the road ahead for students won't be easy. Students will face setbacks and obstacles. They will be told that your ideas are unrealistic or impractical. They will experience failure and disappointment. But he gave an advice: don't give up. Students may not lose faith in themselves or in their ability to make a difference. Students have to remember why they're in school and why they started.
And above all, remember that they're not alone. They're part of a community of people who share their passion for knowledge, for innovation, and for serving humanity. They're part of a community that has produced some of the greatest thinkers and doers in history. They're part of a community that believes in the power of ideas to change the world.
Cook asked students to think and dream big as they leave school and embark on the next stage of their journey. And most importantly, they act big. Use their skills and their knowledge to make a positive impact on the world. Serve humanity in their own way, whether that's through technology or some other means. And never forget that they have the power to change the world.
But which is that one fantastic quotation from Tim's speech, which is like him directly addressing us, the Selye students? I honestly can't choose only one quotation, because for me the whole speech is very interesting and valuable.
The first thought that got me thinking and captivated me was, "Working towards something greater than oneself is the key to finding meaning and purpose in life." In my opinion, for students, working towards something greater than themselves can provide a sense of direction and motivation. It can help them to identify their passions and interests and to channel their energy into pursuing activities or goals that align with those values.
The second very interesting thought that got me thinking was that "technology alone is not the solution to the world's problems; in fact, it may be part of the problem." To my mind, we as students should be encouraged to think critically about the role of technology in our lives and to consider the broader societal implications of technology use.
The third is very interesting, and perhaps the quote the professor was thinking of is this: "As the creators of the next generation of technology, students have a responsibility to use their skills and knowledge not just for personal gain, but for the common good. This is what it means to be of service to humanity." That is a powerful quote and idea that emphasizes the importance of using technology for the betterment of society. As the next generation of innovators, students have a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology and use their skills and knowledge to address some of the world's most difficult challenges. I think you meant this quote because you have repeatedly said that we students are the creators of the next generation of technology. You were trying to encourage us to use technology, to use R Markdown.
And the fourth quote, which in my opinion is very motivating for students, is: 'Every movement, every innovation, every breakthrough starts with someone daring to imagine a better future and then working to make it happen. As students, they have the potential to become a force for good in the world." This quote underscores the importance of believing in oneself and one's ability to make a difference. I remember that when the class complained about the difficulty of using R Markdown (myself included), you encouraged us not to give up and to trust ourselves. Then solutions were found—maybe not perfect, but solutions were found.
Finally, let me share with you my personal opinion. For me, this has been the most interesting exercise so far. Maybe it's my passion for Apple or my respect for Apple's former and current leaders, Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, but I found this assignment very interesting, and I feel that this speech will motivate me to give more space to technology in my life.