Will Technology Destroy Humanity? #SadhguruSpot

Summary

In this insightful dialogue, Sadhguru addresses the impact of virtual reality and technology on human consciousness. He emphasizes that technology itself is not harmful; rather, it's our compulsive and destructive tendencies that can be detrimental. The key lies in enhancing human consciousness to use technology for well-being, not just for compulsion or commercial gain. Sadhguru humorously illustrates this with examples, advocating for a more conscious approach to technology use to prevent it from becoming a problem.

Takeaways

• 😀 No technology is inherently harmful; it is the way humans use it that can be destructive.
• 🤔 The problem with technology misuse stems from human compulsiveness and lack of consciousness.
• 💻 Technologies like virtual reality can enhance human capabilities if used consciously.
• 🧠 Compulsiveness, whether in technology use, eating, drinking, or shopping, is a result of the absence of consciousness.
• 📉 The misuse of technology often leads to the creation of de-addiction centers for various compulsive behaviors.
• 🌍 Advanced technologies are often used for destructive purposes rather than for human well-being.
• 💡 Conscious use of technology can transform it into a tool for well-being and enhancement.
• ⚖️ Compulsive commerce and consumption are damaging the planet, not the technologies themselves.
• 📢 Conscious leadership and human consciousness are crucial to using technology for the benefit of humanity.
• 🕊️ Encouraging people to take moments of stillness and reflection could help mitigate the compulsive misuse of technology and benefit the planet.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised about the use of virtual reality technology?

The main concern is that virtual reality technology, while having the potential to benefit humans, is currently causing issues such as alter ego, escapism, anti-social behavior, and addiction to gaming.

According to Sadhguru, what is the fundamental issue with technology misuse?

Sadhguru suggests that the fundamental issue is not the technology itself but human compulsiveness and the lack of consciousness in how we use technology.

What does Sadhguru imply when he mentions 'technology de-addiction centers'?

Sadhguru implies that the compulsive use of technology has become so severe that there are now centers dedicated to helping people overcome their addiction to technology, similar to those for drugs or alcohol.

How does Sadhguru relate compulsiveness to the absence of consciousness?

Sadhguru suggests that compulsiveness is a sign of the absence of consciousness. If people were more conscious, they would use everything, including technology, for their well-being and that of others.

What is Sadhguru's view on the use of cutting-edge technology in the world?

Sadhguru points out that most cutting-edge technology tends to be used for military purposes, indicating that we have not yet learned to use technology for the well-being of humanity.

Why does Sadhguru believe that the problem with technology is not the technology itself?

Sadhguru believes that technology is a tool created by humans and is neutral. The problem arises when it is used compulsively or for destructive purposes, rather than for enhancing human capability and well-being.

What example does Sadhguru give to illustrate the point that technology is not inherently harmful?

Sadhguru uses the example of a microphone, which enhances his ability to speak to a larger audience. The problem arises if he uses it to scream, but the issue is not with the microphone itself.

How does Sadhguru describe the evolution of commerce from its beginnings to its current state?

Sadhguru describes commerce evolving from a simple exchange of excess goods to a compulsive system that controls every aspect of our lives and even encourages taking loans for economic stability.

What is Sadhguru's opinion on the Arctic ice-breaking ship and its implications?

Sadhguru views the Arctic ice-breaking ship as an example of compulsive commerce, where the drive for profit and efficiency overrides environmental concerns and leads to potentially harmful actions.

What solution does Sadhguru propose to address the misuse of technology and the compulsiveness of human behavior?

Sadhguru proposes that the key is to make human beings more conscious about how they function, rather than holding back technologies, as the root cause lies in human behavior and consciousness.

Why does Sadhguru suggest that human lethargy might be saving the planet?

Sadhguru suggests that human lethargy, or laziness, might be inadvertently saving the planet because it prevents the full industrial exploitation of technology, which could otherwise lead to environmental disaster.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The Dual Nature of Virtual Reality

The first paragraph discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of virtual reality (VR). It highlights how VR can be harnessed for human well-being, but also acknowledges the issues arising from its misuse, such as addiction and anti-social behavior. Sadhguru emphasizes that technology itself is not harmful; rather, it's the human mind's destructive tendencies that can turn any tool against itself. He humorously illustrates this point by suggesting that even a laptop could be used as a weapon if someone is determined to do so. The crux of the message is that compulsiveness, not technology, is the root of the problem, and that consciousness is key to using technology for the betterment of humanity.

05:02

💡 Consciousness Over Compulsion in Technology Use

The second paragraph delves into the broader implications of compulsiveness in society and its impact on technology and commerce. Sadhguru critiques the compulsive nature of modern commerce, which has grown to control many aspects of life, including the encouragement of taking loans for economic stability. He uses the example of a Russian container ship breaking through Arctic ice to illustrate the lengths to which compulsive commerce will go, potentially at the expense of the environment. The speaker suggests that a more conscious approach to using technology and resources could prevent such negative outcomes. He humorously proposes that the planet might be saved if people would simply do nothing for twenty-one minutes a day, highlighting the power of human lethargy over industriousness in preserving the planet.

Keywords

💡Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. In the video, VR is mentioned as a prominent modern technology explored for enhancing human well-being. However, it also causes issues like escapism and addiction to gaming, reflecting on the theme of responsible technology usage.

💡Alter Ego

An alter ego is a second self or different version of oneself. The video refers to alter ego as one of the issues arising from VR, indicating how immersive technologies can create disconnection from one's real identity and social behavior.

💡Compulsiveness

Compulsiveness is the inability to control or stop certain behaviors. The video emphasizes that the problem with technology, including VR, arises from human compulsiveness rather than the technology itself. This compulsiveness leads to addiction and other negative behaviors.

💡Human Consciousness

Human consciousness refers to the state of being aware of and able to think about oneself and the environment. The video suggests that enhancing human consciousness is crucial for using technology responsibly and for well-being, rather than destructively or compulsively.

💡Technology De-addiction

Technology de-addiction centers are places where individuals receive help to overcome their dependence on technology. The video mentions these centers to highlight how modern compulsive use of technology has led to new forms of addiction, comparable to substance abuse.

💡Military Usage

Military usage refers to the application of technology for defense and warfare. The video criticizes the trend of deploying cutting-edge technology primarily for military purposes, instead of using it for peaceful and beneficial applications, reflecting on the misuse of human capabilities.

💡Commerce

Commerce is the activity of buying and selling goods and services. In the video, compulsive commerce is criticized for controlling life and leading to environmentally harmful practices, such as breaking through Arctic ice for shipping routes, illustrating how economic compulsions can damage the planet.

💡Human Lethargy

Human lethargy refers to a state of inactivity or laziness. The video humorously suggests that human laziness, rather than intelligence or compassion, is what currently saves the planet from over-exploitation, as it prevents excessive industrial activity.

💡Conscious Leadership

Conscious leadership involves leading with awareness, responsibility, and ethical considerations. The video argues that with conscious leadership, technology would always be used for the well-being of humanity and the planet, preventing its misuse for destructive purposes.

💡Enhancement of Capability

Enhancement of capability refers to the improvement of human abilities through technology. The video states that technology, like a microphone, should enhance human capabilities without becoming problematic, stressing that issues arise from misuse rather than the technology itself.

Highlights

Virtual reality's potential to enhance well-being is being explored by researchers.

Current issues with virtual reality include alter ego, escapism, anti-social behavior, and gaming addiction.

Technology itself is not harmful; it's the human misuse that can be destructive.

Incidents of violence with technology do not make the technology itself dangerous.

Human compulsiveness is the root of problems, not the technology.

The existence of technology de-addiction centers reflects our compulsive tendencies.

Consciousness is key to using technology for well-being instead of compulsion.

Cutting-edge technology often goes into military usage, reflecting a lack of focus on well-being.

If leadership was conscious, technology would not be used against well-being.

Technology is meant to enhance our capabilities, not to create problems.

The example of a microphone enhancing speaking capabilities illustrates technology's potential.

Compulsiveness in commerce has grown to control aspects of life, including taking loans.

The encouragement to take loans reflects the compulsive nature of modern commerce.

Breaking the Arctic ice for shipping routes shows the extent of compulsive commercial behavior.

Human compulsiveness, not commerce, is the driving force behind environmental harm.

The idea of the whole population sitting quietly for 21 minutes as a potential planetary solution.

Laziness is ironically presented as a potential savior of the planet due to reduced industriousness.

The key to technology is making humans more conscious, not holding back technological advancements.

Transcripts

Questioner: Virtual reality has become one of the most prominent technologies in modern world.

A lot of researchers are exploring this technology to bring a lot of well-being to human beings.

But, currently the technology is causing a lot of issues like alter ego, escapism,

anti-social behavior, and especially addiction to gaming.

So, how can virtual reality be used to benefit humans?

And more importantly, what is its impact on human consciousness?

Sadhguru: Well, when you use it well, you will see right now you’re using it, Sadhguru’s still in India (Laughter).

See, no technology is harmful,

it is just that,

when human mind is in a certain level of destructive mode, every technology is harmful – everything.

You can take your laptop and slit somebody’s head (Few Laugh).

Does it mean to say computers are dangerous?

Suppose a few incidents happen like this,

in many offices it happened – let’s say in ten offices it so happened somebody took

Apple Air and slit somebody’s head (Laughter).

Does it mean to say laptops are dangerous?

No, human beings are stupid (Laughter).

Whatever comes their way, they know how to turn it against themselves.

When they turn their own brains against themselves,

what else do you want?

Now there are (Laughs) technology de-addiction centers.

You know this?

Like there are drug de-addiction, alcohol de-addiction, now technology de-addiction centers.

Simply because we are in a compulsive mode

– if we start eating, we don’t know when to stop eating.

That’s a problem, big problem!

Quite a big problem.

If we start drinking, you don’t know when to stop drinking.

If we start shopping, we don’t know when to stop shopping.

If we start using the phone, we don’t know when to stop using the phone.

So the problem is not of technology, the problem is of compulsiveness.

When you say compulsiveness, it’s just absence of consciousness, isn’t it?

If we were conscious human beings,

we would use everything for our well-being and everybody’s well-being.

Because we are compulsive, we start doing something – we don’t know how to stop.

Endlessly we will do the same silly thing.

So, whether it’s virtual reality, or artificial intelligence, or anything of anything,

the problem is not of technology never

because they are just devices, created by us,

we are supposed to use it for our well-being –

that’s the idea, isn’t it?

But see most of the cutting edge technology always goes into military usage in the world,

obviously we don’t know how to use it for our well-being we are always using it to destroy something.

This has been the thing always, not just now because we have never worked on human consciousness.

If human beings lived consciously, if the leadership in the world was a conscious leadership,

the question of using technology against human well-being or the well-being of anything,

wouldn’t arise, isn’t it?

Is technology means enhancement of our capability, isn’t it?

So right now, I have a microphone... (Touches beard) hmm (Few Laugh)?

No really, see (Touches beard) (Few Laugh)?

This is an enhancement of our capability, isn’t it?

If I spoke without microphone, only this many people would hear, this is just an enhancement.

So suppose just because I have a microphone, I start screaming (Few Laugh),

now the problem is not of microphone.

You think the problem is of microphone?

“Oh, this microphone is screaming so loudly,” is it?

So this is what we are talking –

no technology is a problem, no matter what it is.

The question is will we use it consciously?

Or will we either compulsively or commercially (Laughs)?

Commerce is a compulsion right now.

We started trading like this – I have some rice, you have some chicken, we exchanged, little okay?

Because I had something extra – I had more potatoes, you had more eggs, we exchanged.

This is how commerce started,

something excess we give it to you, what you have excess you give it to me so that

you live your life, I live my life.

Slowly because of our compulsiveness, we have grown commerce to such a point!

that it controls every aspect of our life right now.

Well, the government is telling you,

“Please all of you take more loans otherwise economy will go down” (Laughs).

Yes or no?

They are encouraging you...

because somebody told me, “Sadhguru you have no credit worthiness (Few Laugh)

because you’ve never taken a loan.”

I thought it’s a good thing (Laughter).

I thought I’ve never taken a loan is a very good thing.

But they’re telling me it’s a bad thing, tch.

“You have no credit worthiness, you must take some loan.”

“What do I do?”

“Just buy a house somewhere (Laughter).

Just buy a house somewhere and rent it, Sadhguru.

You’ll have credit worthiness” (Laughter).

This is compulsiveness transformed itself into commerce, isn’t it?

Well, people built a home because they want to live there.

But now we’ve made this so compulsive,

that commerce is eating up the planet!

Just recently, I don’t know if you saw this news,

about twenty days ago,

one of the Russian container carriers – a big ship

a big ship something like 40,000 ton ship

broke through the Atlantic ice

and they established a new route because...

I’m sorry, the Arctic ice where they could not come.

This reduces the distance to where it used to travel by 8,000 kilometers

and they’re going to save so much money but they’re going through the Arctic ice.

Because it’s thin, they’re breaking through

and commercial shipping is going to happen through the Arctic.

This is compulsive commerce – you don’t understand what the hell you are doing, isn’t it?

Yes or no?

It’s just compulsiveness!

Don’t call this commerce, this is just human compulsiveness –

they can’t keep quiet, they have to do something.

This is why we thought at least

if we get the whole population to simply sit quietly for twenty-one minutes, planet could be saved (Laughter)!

Even if they don’t know how to meditate (Laughs) (Applause)!

Just imagine, all these 7.6 billion people did nothing for twenty minutes in a day (Laughter).

This is why I’ve been saying...

see, it is not human intelligence which is saving the planet,

it is not human love or compassion saving the planet – it’s human lethargy (Laughter).

Half the people are lazy – they are the ones who are saving the planet (Laughter).

If everybody gets fully industrious using all the technology we have, poof,

in fifteen-twenty years, I think the planet will be shaved clean (Laughter).

Yes or no?

We’re going there?

So, doesn’t matter what’s the technology,

never a technology or any kind of enhancement of capability, should be a problem! Isn’t it?

If human capability’s enhanced, should it become a problem?

Always it’s a solution for something, isn’t it?

But we make it a problem because we use it compulsively.

So the key is not in holding back the technologies,

the key is making human beings more conscious about how they function.