Ethics

Everyone has a unique moral attitude. Even those who share religious beliefs can vary in the specifics. While there are basic values every person should all possess, everyone cannot feel the same way about everything. The conflict comes when one person assumes their unique set of ethics is the best and everyone who doesn't agree with them is wrong. Saying "Look at me! I'm such a great person because I do x, y, z" and "You're pretty good because you do x, but I do it better" is degrading and completely pointless. While we need to relate our ethics to those around us, especially our coworkers, it can be done in a much more professional way. Behaving in accordance to what you believe will reflect your standards to those around you. Everyone needs to personally contemplate what they believe and develop their own personal and professional ethics to live by.

The Greatest Machine

No machine is as efficient or long lasting as the human body. Take a moment to think about everything your body is capable of. For example, your heart will beat over 3 billion times before you die, pumping more than 59 million gallons of blood. It would be difficult to find anything man-made that is capable of doing what your body does. The human body truly is a glorious creation. Sadly, there are those who do not recognize the magnificence of their bodies and fail to fully appreciate it. Some waste endless hours sitting in front of a computer screen playing games which consist of controlling a virtual body while their own sits motionless on a chair. They become so concerned with their virtual identity that they neglect their own real, physical bodies. Like any other machine, these idle bodies will slowly become less functional. Imagine a tractor that has sat unused in a field for years. If you have become an obsessive online gamer, don't despair. Your body can rejuvenate itself much better than a rusty tractor. Simply treat it as the incredible machine it is and it will do the rest.

You are in possession of an incredible machine. 

Don't throw it away for a virtual life that isn't real.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Here Comes Everybody

"Filter-then-publish, whatever its advantages, rested on a scarcity of media that is a thing of the past. The expansion of social media means that the only working system is publish-then-filter."

Social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook, and blogs, provide amble opportunities for people to share news and experiences with other around the world. Friends and followers receive so many updates that they often can't sift through it all. Many times they simple pick and choose what to actually read. Browsing through entries, they make split second decisions about importance, interest, and applicability. It wasn't very long ago that these decisions were made by editors of newspapers in their decision of what to put headline everyday. Nowadays, the majority of people get their news from social sites, not news websites, which results in a wildfire like spreading of current events, good and bad. Since these sites connect millions, one post can be liked, retweeted, shared, and ultimately seen by people around the world in mere minutes.

However, social media sites come with risks. The ability of these sites to make everyone aware of a disaster halfway around the world can also be used in a less productive way. Some take advantage of the power and turn blogs into gossip sites. These outspoken bloggers can spread lies just as easily as truth and often overpower the voices of less bold people. Unlike professional journalism, no one is verifying facts or held responsible for inaccurate information. So, while social sites increase opportunities for anyone to become an amateur reporter, it also provides opportunities for others to take advantage of the system and report falsehoods.

"Given that everyone now has the tools to contribute equally, you might expect a huge increase in equality of participation. You'd be wrong."

Enhance, Don't Detract

Imagine keeping track of fourteen million people without the use of modern technology. Try to fathom the amount of paperwork. Computers make this impossible task more manageable by replacing the toppling piles of paper with compact systems and fast processors. What used to take months to process now takes mere seconds. However, new advancements haven't stopped at reducing paperwork--they've managed to impact nearly every aspect of life. Calendar apps. Restaurant apps. Games. Anything you can think of, there's probably an app for it. In fact, technology has become so ingrained in our society that it is completely acceptable to spend all day on a computer. While this isn't inherently bad, if the time is spent on pursuing a virtual life and detracting from what is real, it can ruin lives. The adversary is skilled in taking positive inventions and twisting them around for his own use. We all need to be wary of the negative power technology can weld with each of us personally. Let us use it to enhance our lives, not detract from it.

Passion is Key

Passion drives us all. Without it our existence is dull and drab. Everyday drags on and life comes to a standstill. If you don't love what you do, what's the point? In order to gain a meaningful life, find something you love to do, whether it's coding, designing, teaching, or a million other options. Never settle for a mundane job. Every great invention begins as a small thought in someone's mind; an itch that just wont go away. When this happens to you, run with it. Throw yourself into it. Find others that share your desire and create something great together. The dedication and passion reflected in whatever the outcome is will inspire others to pursue they're own dreams. Just remember that the key to success is passion.

Family History and Technology

Before recent advancements in technology, family research required a lot more physical research. Dusty rooms. Fragile pages. Dim lighting. Frustration. Exhilaration. Paper, paper, paper! However, new technology has made it possible to connect the world of family history and centralize information. Websites like Family Search and Ancestry.com have allowed people around the world to connect and share information about common ancestors. Instead of duplicate research being performed, results can be compared and shared with ease. These websites also contain images which can be examined and many have even been indexed, allowing users to search for a specific name. Although physical research will never be replaced (guaranteeing completeness and accuracy would be a nightmare), technology has made it easier to start. So if you have ever been interested in family history, visit a site and start searching. But be warned--it's addicting.