The current story no longer suffices.

Since 2019, I am a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of my alma mater, Ghent University (UGent). Professor Erik Mannens, Prof. PhD. MEng. MSc. has been inviting me to provide students with a different perspective on the world of technology and innovation. One that puts humans at the center.

The catalyst for this course was the release of my book 'Artificial Stupidity' in 2018. In Pieter De Kegel's review of last summer, you can explore how our perspectives on cognition have shifted and evolved. This transformation is also evident in my own journey. While my initial classes were humanistic, centered around human values and creation, they have now transitioned towards a post-anthropocene perspective—planet-centered, with a focus on the creation of life.

The good thing about this assignment is that University is very open to new viewpoints and stories. I am essentially given carte blanche to challenge the students in their thinking.

In my previous newsletter, I argued that we our society and industry is looking for a new narrative. A new meta-story about our place and role in this world. A narrative that can help us transition into a new chapter of civilisation. A paradigm shift that leads ut to the Next Renaissance.

It's a believe that I deleloped since 2020 - the pandemic. Since then I also share this idea during my classes. And every time I do that, the future engineers surprise me with their reaction and questions. They don't question my thesis. They ask 'What is holding us back from telling a different story?'

Good question. What is?

What is holding us back to develop a new story about human kind?

One of the advantages of these classes is that I have 2 to 3 hours to interact with the students, providing ample time to delve into these eight topics. It's interesting to show the students the bigger picture.

Here are 8 drivers for our gridlock. There are off course more, but these are particularly interesting to share with soon-to-be professional engineers. Technology can be a powerful force for change, but it can also be an instrument of the status quo.

Eight techno social challenges.

1. Distraction (wall-e, news, information flooding)
2. The belief that there is no alternative (neoliberalism)
3. A growing polarization (preventing exploration)
4. The tech & science world = a complex world (and a male-dominated world)
5. A maximization of power in economics (i.e., not everyone wants to give up power)
6. A lack of knowledge about nature (intelligence, ecosystems)
7. Old mental concepts in a new digital world (scaling, growth, data, techfix)
8. The obsession with short term thinking (myopia)

Following my presentation, there is always room for questions. And contrary to the stereotype that engineers are introverted or disengaged, I consistently receive a barrage of intriguing questions.

It's noteworthy that the students' questions always revolve around how we can organize the transition, not whether it will happen at all. That is beyond dispute. Now the cynic will argue that the students are still young and naive (what's wrong with being naive?). But in my opinion, they also simply feel that the current system no longer suffices.

Making room for grief.

However, there is an elephant in the room that I haven't mentioned during my classes, and that is that a new story also means saying goodbye to the old story. And saying goodbye is an emotional journey. It's painful. It's challenging. (But I don't want to burden the young twenty-somethings with that.)

A personal anecdote.

Last year, I wrote to you about how I visited the oldest tree in the country. It was part of my quest to shift my focus from the short term to the long term. What I didn't tell you is that the next day I decided not to drink (anymore). There was no resolution or promise attached. Nor was there a necessity or a deadline.

I just decided to stay sober for a while. And a week later, still. And a month later, still. And now, eight months later, still...

I miss the time when I used to drink. Drinking was part of my identity. Drinking was part of friendships. Of relaxation. Of travel. Of DJing.

I mourn the old Fredo. But I have learned that I feel better and stronger when I am sober. I feel more alive. There's nothing more to say.

And yes, occasionally I'll have a drink with friends. But there's a different narrative unfolding about myself. One that is closer to myself than before.

I believe that this is also how we will evolve towards a different economic and cultural story. Not because the old one is no longer allowed or possible, but because the new one is better and healthier. One with more life. From wealth to well-being.

Only by mourning and saying goodbye to the old story is there room for a new story. Or as Christine Caine puts it:

"Sometimes when you find yourself in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted."

cheers,

Fredo

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