The story of computing
Published:
The story of computing is inextricably linked to the story of humanity. From the earliest days of civilization, we have been driven by a deep-seated desire to push beyond our physical and mental limitations. We have always sought new ways to understand the world around us, to communicate with one another, and to harness the power of technology to make our lives easier and more fulfilling. Computing, as a natural extension of this quest, represents our ongoing pursuit of innovation, creativity, and the ability to solve problems on an unprecedented scale.
At the heart of this story is ambition. Our ancestors were driven by a burning desire to accomplish great things, to explore new frontiers, and to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. They built the pyramids, charted the stars, and developed writing systems to record their knowledge and ideas. And as technology advanced, so did our ambitions. We dreamed of flying, of traveling to the moon, and of building machines that could think and learn on their own.
But ambition alone was not enough. It was paired with invention, creativity, and vision. Throughout history, we have been blessed with brilliant minds that have pushed the boundaries of what was thought to be possible. They were the ones who envisioned a world where computers could do more than just calculate numbers. They imagined a world where machines could understand natural language, recognize images, and even compose music.
Yet, as with any human endeavor, there was also the darker side of the story. The story of avarice, where greed and ambition clash, where the drive for profit and power overshadowed the true potential of technology. It’s a cautionary tale of how technology, when not used for the betterment of humanity, can be detrimental to society and individuals.
Despite these darker moments, the story of computing is also one of serendipity. The unexpected discoveries and fortuitous events that have led to some of the most significant advancements in technology. The invention of the computer, for example, was not a premeditated goal but rather the outcome of a series of serendipitous events and the work of many individuals who contributed to the development of the modern computer.
In the end, the story of computing is the story of humanity. It is a story of our boundless ambition, our unending creativity, and our relentless drive to push beyond the limits of our bodies and minds. It is a story of both triumph and tragedy, of highs and lows, but most importantly, it is a story of hope and the belief that with the right tools, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
In the realm of philosophy, there are certain thought experiments that challenge the way we think about the nature of identity, change, and continuity. One such thought experiment is the paradox of Theseus’s Ship, an ancient puzzle that has intrigued philosophers for centuries. At its core, it raises profound questions about what it means for something—or someone—to remain the same over time, even when it undergoes significant changes. 
In life, we all face challenges. Whether at work, in relationships, or in the pursuit of personal goals, problems are an unavoidable part of the journey. These obstacles can test our patience, resilience, and growth. However, some people seem to create their own problems—sometimes without even realizing it. They may subconsciously make choices that lead to unnecessary difficulties or adopt a mindset that attracts more conflict. Then, they take on the role of the victim, acting as though life has been unfair to them. This behavior not only creates emotional strain for those around them but is also deeply harmful to the person doing it. Why? Because those who play the victim of their own problems always lose. They lose control over their lives, their potential for growth, and their ability to change their circumstances. 
The saying “If you’ve become arrogant, you no longer need another enemy.” carries profound wisdom about the dangers of arrogance and how it can become a person’s greatest adversary. Arrogance blinds us to our own flaws, prevents us from learning from others, and often isolates us from those who could help us grow. When we allow arrogance to take hold, we sabotage our own success, relationships, and personal growth, making external enemies unnecessary—our worst enemy becomes ourselves. We become so consumed with self-importance that we fail to recognize the opportunities for improvement and connection all around us.