A conversation on TED.com: Do you ever get overwhelmed by the number of brilliant ideas out there in the world? Is our society becoming too complex?

Evgenia Baydikova
Sydney
Australia

The University of Sydney

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Do you ever get overwhelmed by the number of brilliant ideas out there in the world? Is our society becoming too complex?

Think about how many technologies, apps, and inventions are being churned out every moment of every day. If you've ever had to develop some sort of innovation, it seems as if it's becoming so difficult to assert originality, whereby someone somewhere else in the world unbeknownst to you is probably already well on their way to taking that idea to market.

This is naturally a postmodern thought. But what do you think? Has this always been the case, or is it just because of the rapid pace at which ideas can be commercialised these days and the connecting power of the internet that you can discover brilliant developments taking place all over the world at the click of a mouse.

It reminds me of the theory of social complexity discussed by Joseph Tainter, in his book: 'The Collapse of Complex Societies'. He argued that when societies become too complex, they eventually collapse.

Are we solving the ultimate issue of finite resources or are we just adding greater complexity, which will eventually lead to demise?

Related Talks:

Eric Berlow: How complexity leads to simplicity

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Benjamin Scheiner
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Jun 1 2011: That dynamic creation of similar ideas is one of the wonders of human ingenuity. That another individual so far removed from our everyday sphere could follow their own revelations and arrive at a similar idea is incredible. It suggests we hold in common other aspects than we first assume, simply because we are human. It is an exciting and inspirational thought. Think of all the wonderful advances we as a global people are realizing every day! Certainly it is intimidating - but I do not believe it spells the end for society.

You must remember that this simultaneous idea generation has been happening for centuries. For two examples, mathematical theorems have been co-discovered by people unaware of the other (Compare Indian and European calculus) and mechanical computer counting machines have been invented and reinvented since ancient times (Antikythera mechanism). What has changed is our ability to learn of these simultaneous discoveries. Creators have more outlets to share their work, people have wider access to more disparate sources of knowledge than ever before, and reporters are now armed with communication tools that can cross the globe in milliseconds. Perhaps the rate of invention has increased - but more importantly, the global community has become more aware.

Can our minds handle that increase in knowledge? As we currently approach the world, I do not believe so. We must adapt to the rising tide by discerning what is and is not valuable (and we are). If we can recognize the value of an invention, we can bolster it. If we cannot prioritize our attention, we will sacrifice efficacy to the continual swell of short-lived, falsely valued fad ideas. If we believe everything is worth equal amounts of our focus, our minds and our society will splinter and collapse. If instead we train ourselves and our children to discern when something will or will not provide lasting benefit, then we can thrive on the torrent of postmodern creativity.
- Evgenia Baydikova
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  Jun 21 2011: You've summed it up so eloquently. I would agree with all that you've said. I was merely entertaining the thought. But I certainly agree, there's a magic in simultaneity!
Tim blackburn 30+
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Apr 13 2011: maybe our complexity will reach a infinite cingularity and the world will end.
Julie Ann 10+
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Apr 12 2011: Technology, like so many other things in life, is a double-edged sword. It all depends on how its used. I would certainly agree that technology can allow us to lead more balanced and sustainable lives or lead to our demise. I have faith in the human population that they will make the right choices. Michio Kaku classifies us as a Type 0 civilization so I guess we still have a lot of developing to do!
Julie Ann 10+
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Apr 12 2011: Hi Evgenia, I don't think it is too complex. The level of complexity is a natural evolution and progression of the mind and imagination. It is a bit like the Renaissance period when there was an explosion of highly intellectual art and music, the likes of which have not been seen since then. I think of greater concern is that we over-use, over-spend, over-indulge in some areas but neglect ourselves, our children, our home (broad use of the word). The collapse may come, not because of complex technology but because of neglect of our fundamental foundation. Great question!
- Evgenia Baydikova
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  Apr 12 2011: Thanks so much for your response Julie! You're right, social complexity, evolution, discovery and "enlightenment" occur in ebbs and flows. It would be very interesting to visualise this using a graphic.
  
  Maybe what I meant was - fragmentation - which leads to complexity of systems, platforms, information and processes which are yet to be accessible symmetrically and synchronously to all. As Schumpeter saw it, waves of innovation have occurred over time with intermittent stages of "creative destruction".
  
  But at what cost will our obsession with technology and progress come? You point out a really important point about sustainability. Maybe, given that we can exercise enough self-control, technology will be the answer to improving sustainability in our lives? Let's hope so!