All of a sudden, if you think about the entire ecosystem of

"All of a sudden, if you think about the entire ecosystem of connected devices that can pull down information, access content, and allow me to share and work and communicate, the vast majority now are not Windows computers. They are iPhones. They are iPads. They are Android devices." These words, spoken by Aaron Levie, speak to the profound shift in our technological landscape—a shift so sweeping and sudden that it has altered not only how we work, but how we live, communicate, and even think. Just as the ancient Romans marveled at the way their world was transformed by the rise of the Empire, so too must we now stand in awe of the way modern technology has reshaped the very fabric of society, and at the heart of it all stands the humble smartphone, an object once inconceivable in its power and reach.

In ages past, the tools of great change were as simple as the chisel that carved the first hieroglyphs or the compass that guided explorers to new shores. These inventions, humble as they may have been, changed the course of human history. Yet today, in our digital age, the change comes not through physical tools, but through virtual ecosystems. The shift Levie speaks of is not merely about the devices themselves; it is about the world they open to us, a world where information flows freely, boundaries vanish, and the power of connection surpasses anything we have known before.

Just as the philosophers of old understood that new ways of thinking could transform societies, so too must we recognize the transformation brought by this new digital ecosystem. The ancients spoke of the power of knowledge and the importance of its dissemination—that knowledge, once hidden behind walls of privilege and distance, must be shared with all who seek it. Today, through the iPhone, the iPad, and the Android device, we witness a similar revolution. The gates to knowledge, once controlled by the few, are now open to the many. A single device holds the sum of human knowledge, and with it, the power to share, learn, and communicate across vast distances.

But with this great gift comes a great responsibility, and this is where Levie’s words truly strike at the heart of our age. We must understand that the tools we wield—the smartphones, the tablets, the systems of interconnectedness—are not simply there to entertain us or serve our convenience. They are there to connect us to a greater whole, to a vast and dynamic web of ideas, cultures, and possibilities. In this new age, where devices are not just tools but extensions of our being, we must consider what it means to be truly connected and how we use that power. Do we choose to share wisdom and seek knowledge, or do we remain captives to the distractions and diversions that are so easily at our fingertips?

The story of the printing press, that great invention that unlocked the doors to the Renaissance, serves as a poignant lesson here. The press, like the devices Levie speaks of, made knowledge more accessible than ever before. But it also carried with it the burden of responsibility. Just as the press allowed for the spread of ideas both profound and dangerous, so too do our smartphones. The way we use them, how we communicate, what we choose to consume, and what we contribute to the world are all part of the legacy we are now building. It is not enough to simply have the tools at our disposal; we must choose to use them wisely.

Levie’s words are a clarion call for those who navigate the digital world to recognize the weight of this transformation. The ecosystems of connected devices—from the iPhone to the Android—are more than just commodities; they are the very threads that weave us into a global tapestry, a collective humanity that spans across the earth. Yet, like all tools, these devices can be used for good or ill. The ancient warriors of old were often as much defined by their discipline as by their weapons. In the same way, we must be disciplined in how we use these tools. The power to connect also comes with the power to distract, the power to divide, and the power to consume without reflection.

The lesson that Levie’s words impart is clear: In this age of information, we must not become lost in the flood. To truly make use of the devices at our disposal, we must wield them with purpose. These devices are not just objects of convenience or entertainment; they are windows into a new world, a world where we can connect, learn, and grow. Yet, we must be ever watchful, ever mindful, and ever intentional in how we use them. Like the ancient philosophers who challenged their students to think deeply about their world, so must we challenge ourselves to think deeply about our relationship to this new world of connectedness.

Let us, then, follow this wisdom from the ancients and from Levie—to use these powerful devices not as distractions, but as tools of progress. To share knowledge, to seek truth, and to connect with those around us in meaningful ways. The world is now at our fingertips, and it is our task to determine how we will use this new power. Will we create a world of true connection and understanding, or will we allow the flood of information to overwhelm us? The choice, as always, is ours. Let us wield the tools of this new age wisely and with purpose, knowing that with great power comes great responsibility.