> Even a solution as fundamental as search on the internet is not really helping me lead a better life--though it does make possible the vast stores of knowledge and likely the entire tech sector (including my livelihood).
I disagree. You can spin this many ways. I look at "search" as solving the problem of "easy access to information" - however one must understand that it is not an unsolved/solved problem (varying degrees of "solved" apply here).
Being able to learn new things, research something I'm working on beyond my direct network of friends/colleagues, and engage with others solves a lot of problems for me. All this information also makes it much easier to re-skill or add new skills to my repertoire.
You've answered him, as well as yourself... It depends on the frame of reference in approaching this... If you take a hovering big picture view, what you say is all good, but in reality, on a individual/micro level, 95% of this "search on the net" business is all about "finding deals", and assorted mindless tivia. :)
I disagree. You can spin this many ways. I look at "search" as solving the problem of "easy access to information" - however one must understand that it is not an unsolved/solved problem (varying degrees of "solved" apply here).
Being able to learn new things, research something I'm working on beyond my direct network of friends/colleagues, and engage with others solves a lot of problems for me. All this information also makes it much easier to re-skill or add new skills to my repertoire.