What if the King could just turn a wheel

by Bernie Goldbach in Clonmel

WHILE CHATTING WITH Larry Maguire, he scrolled back before the Industrial Revolution and asked a thought-provoking question, "What would it mean for humanity if the King of England could just sit on his throne and turn a wheel to produce whatever he needs for his kingdom?" I thought of the time I walked the crypt of Canterbury (above) where I snapped a shot of a window that appears to be a representation of cogs on a wheel.

Then I asked my resident AI the question. Here's part of its response.

Ah, that's a thought-provoking question! If the King of England could simply turn a wheel to produce whatever he needs, it would fundamentally change the dynamics of society and the economy.

Firstly, it would eliminate the need for labor in the traditional sense. If everything can be produced by turning a wheel, then jobs as we know them would become obsolete. This could lead to a society where people are free to pursue their interests and passions without the need to work for survival.

However, it could also lead to a significant power imbalance. If the King is the only one who can turn the wheel, he would hold all the power. This could potentially lead to a society where the King has absolute control and the citizens are entirely dependent on him.

Moreover, it could also raise questions about the value and meaning of life. If all our needs can be met so easily, what would be our purpose? Would we find fulfillment in our passions and interests, or would we become listless and directionless?

Ultimately, the end of humanity in such a scenario would depend on how we adapt to these changes. It could lead to a utopia where everyone is free to pursue their passions, or a dystopia where power is concentrated in the hands of one. It's a fascinating scenario to ponder!

Larry Maguire and I will revisit this question during a series of Zoom calls as we collaboratively unpack samples of effective digital transformation.

[Bernie Goldbach teaches digital transformation on the Clonmel Digital Campus of the Technological University of the Shannon. He is slowly converting selections from his blog into mems. ]

digital transformation