Apr 5 2012: Quoting my dictionary: "A technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes". As such, any technology is not an idea. You are probably thinking of the science research that is the base of a specific technology. In that case, the question is: what is the relation between science and morality?
In my opinion, the questions that science is trying to solve are not moral questions and a scientific advance is not intrinsically good or bad, however the application of science can be good or bad. For instance, nuclear technology can be used for peaceful purposes or as a weapon of destruction.
Now, to the case of the mechanical hummingbird, from a scientific point of view it is very interesting research as the mechanics and control for flight at that regime are not fully understood. Moreover, I see this the first step towards much more interesting questions like the ones proposed here:
http://www.physorg.com/news11015.html
Aug 11 2011: I agree with Ed here. The talk's conclusion was that the growth and health of a city is driven by its network of social interactions (I think this is the very same "soul" that Michel was talking about, a few posts up!).
Prof. West even compares cities and companies. He argues that the lack of social interactions is what limits innovation in a company. Therefore, growth in companies rapidly stagnate! (He blames bureaucracy for this).
Prof. West and his collaborators are doing some fantastic and very thought-provoking work!
Aug 11 2011: In living creatures, there is an equilibrium between size and vitality. If you are of a given size it takes certain time for nutrients to reach all your body. Consider a mouse and an elephant.
So, companies can fail when faced with sudden grow. If an elephant tries to behave like a monkey for an extended period of time (running from one place to the other, jumping, hanging from trees, and doing monkey business in general) its body won't be able to sustain itself and probably die. Still, it would be quite amusing to see.
Jul 4 2011: Seems to me that Lindsey met a great person. I have met many great people myself, not any of them were from remote areas nor they were able to navigate by lying in a canoe
What defines a great person? and whose heritage should be treasured? is it the remoteness of his home or his navigating skills? I say that the answer to this question is a rather personal one, although many might agree in some cases.
I feel that we are fast to dismiss our own personal culture and progress for another one that is wrapped in mystical mystery. In planet Earth, there are 7 billion people, each life as valuable and interesting as any other. However, all of us are writing humanity's heritage thus we should not be so fast in devalue our own personal contribution.
Nov 7 2010: Very good motivational and entertaining talk. He gave four good examples of success, all of them achieved with passion, preparation, and compassion. The message is very important too: To overcome difficult challenges, we must think outside the box!
However, a product is not just an idea or a vision. Anyone that had built something (regardless of its complexity), will know that the idea is just the first step of a journey that is often complex and difficult to endure! Failure is everywhere, for every 1 successful story there are 1,000 failures.
Stories of success are great motivators but learning comes in the shape of failure. The important thing is not to be afraid of taking the risk.
Shoot to the moon. If you miss, you still might hit a star!
TEDCred score: +0.20 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.
A comment on Conversation: Should the ultimate application of technology become a decisive factor in innovation?
In my opinion, the questions that science is trying to solve are not moral questions and a scientific advance is not intrinsically good or bad, however the application of science can be good or bad. For instance, nuclear technology can be used for peaceful purposes or as a weapon of destruction.
Now, to the case of the mechanical hummingbird, from a scientific point of view it is very interesting research as the mechanics and control for flight at that regime are not fully understood. Moreover, I see this the first step towards much more interesting questions like the ones proposed here:
http://www.physorg.com/news11015.html
A reply on Talk: Geoffrey West: The surprising math of cities and corporations
Prof. West even compares cities and companies. He argues that the lack of social interactions is what limits innovation in a company. Therefore, growth in companies rapidly stagnate! (He blames bureaucracy for this).
Prof. West and his collaborators are doing some fantastic and very thought-provoking work!
A reply on Talk: Geoffrey West: The surprising math of cities and corporations
So, companies can fail when faced with sudden grow. If an elephant tries to behave like a monkey for an extended period of time (running from one place to the other, jumping, hanging from trees, and doing monkey business in general) its body won't be able to sustain itself and probably die. Still, it would be quite amusing to see.
A comment on Talk: Elizabeth Lindsey: Curating humanity's heritage
What defines a great person? and whose heritage should be treasured? is it the remoteness of his home or his navigating skills? I say that the answer to this question is a rather personal one, although many might agree in some cases.
I feel that we are fast to dismiss our own personal culture and progress for another one that is wrapped in mystical mystery. In planet Earth, there are 7 billion people, each life as valuable and interesting as any other. However, all of us are writing humanity's heritage thus we should not be so fast in devalue our own personal contribution.
A comment on Talk: R.A. Mashelkar: Breakthrough designs for ultra-low-cost products
However, a product is not just an idea or a vision. Anyone that had built something (regardless of its complexity), will know that the idea is just the first step of a journey that is often complex and difficult to endure! Failure is everywhere, for every 1 successful story there are 1,000 failures.
Stories of success are great motivators but learning comes in the shape of failure. The important thing is not to be afraid of taking the risk.
Shoot to the moon. If you miss, you still might hit a star!