• Mental health,  tech

    How a lay preacher made a tech revolution revolting.

    I have an increasing feeling of disquiet when I look at how we relate to technology of late.  This is something in which I suspect I am not alone. While generally positive about new technologies, I find an increasing disquiet about how some of the newer technologies are playing out.  I will explain. This is a story that starts in 1712 – before even I was born – but one which has very applicable lessons for us today. You’re doubtless wondering what happened in 1712. A lay preacher and general do-gooder named Thomas Newcomen developed the first commercial steam engine. There had been earlier iterations, but these were little more…