The Importance of Not Forgetting Technological History in the Age of Innovation

In a world that is advancing at breakneck speed toward a future driven by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies, it’s only natural to focus on learning what’s new and exciting. Innovation is a powerful force that propels us forward, urging us to explore the unknown and create the unimaginable. However, amid this frenzy of novelty, there is an equally crucial element that often goes unnoticed: our technological past.

I recently watched the following video: https://lnkd.in/dwYz4URs, which was shared with me by Nicolas Martin Giordano Penades, and it made me reflect on how, while we dive deep into the waters of innovation, we often forget about the technologies and systems that were once the backbone of industry. Why should we care about the old when the new is so exciting? The answer is simple: because the future is woven with threads of the past, and losing sight of our technological foundations can lead to unforeseen consequences.

I’m a strong advocate for advancement, innovation, efficiency, and technological progress—but this video truly made me reconsider whether we need to shift our focus, or at least adapt it. Imagine a world where banking systems, enterprise infrastructures, and applications that underpin our daily lives become mysteries to future generations. As the experts who currently maintain and understand these legacy systems retire or pass on, we could face a dangerous knowledge gap that threatens the continuity of critical systems.

So, how can we address this dilemma? The solution lies in finding a balance between embracing innovation and honoring our technological past. It’s not about clinging to outdated systems, but about understanding and learning from them. There are valuable lessons in the technologies and systems that brought us to where we are today. We can preserve this knowledge—not just in dusty manuals, but in our minds and hearts—so we can pass it on to future generations. It’s about expanding our learning spectrum not only forward, but also backward.

Innovation is clearly essential—but not at the expense of our technological foundations. If we want to build a strong future, we must remain aware of our past and value the role that older technologies played in shaping the world we know today. It’s not just about learning what’s new—it’s about understanding and respecting what came before.

The future is exciting, but without a solid foundation rooted in the past, we may be building on quicksand rather than on solid ground. True wisdom lies in finding the balance between progress and legacy, ensuring that our future is grounded in a deep understanding of our technological history.