The journal essay was written for class on "power and change in technological society". At present, I do not hold the same views and will not reach the same conclusions. However, I present the essay in its original form without editing for opinion or structure.

Random Engineering and Needless Pursuit

Man no more engineers what he needs or wants; rather he engineers, then attempts to find or produce a market for his production. With the art of marketing and advertising he often succeeds in artificially creating a market. Without a need such as war or material wealth it is greed that fuels the development of excess technologies. Greed and excess of technologies bring less meaning to Western individuals' life.

I am not against technology. If technology could truly cure diseases, and perhaps even make death elusive, then I am for that technology. If technology could lead to exploration of new frontiers then I am for that technology. If technology could be used to better the environment, and to lessen the hardship by natural disasters, I am for that technology. If technology could tell us more about ourselves, why we are here and now, and more about the meaning of life, then I am for that technology

But sadly such high endeavors seem less and less aim of any new technology. As an engineering student I know this first hand. We learn how to improve speed, efficiencies, and to obey standards. We bet on fashionable courses, at times its internet protocols or digital communications. But we rarely think about why or whom we serve. Upon graduation, most engineers will be working to improve some stupid product x. Engineering was lured as a flashing career choice with great financial reward, but that claim is a deception driven by greed. Perhaps, I am expecting too much from technology, or bringing my imagination and values to it. Technology demands so much of our energy and talent, and we must invest it selectively and creatively to maximize our benefit.