Google is about information and computers and making things

In the vast sea of human endeavor, where countless ideas, inventions, and aspirations collide, there are moments when clarity emerges, guiding the sails of ambition toward their true purpose. The visionary Paul Buchheit once shared, “Google is about information and computers and making things really fast. Facebook is about the sharing and connections. These missions give these companies direction and motivation.” With these words, he encapsulates the essence of two of the most powerful forces shaping the modern world: knowledge and connection. In this declaration, we see not just the purposes of two companies, but the driving forces of our time—forces that have the power to transform society.

Consider the ancient world, where philosophers sought not only to understand the nature of the cosmos but also to create systems of thought that would direct the course of civilizations. The great Plato, in his Academy, believed that true knowledge was the pursuit of the Forms, the ideal, unchanging truths that lay beyond the physical world. Similarly, Google's mission—to organize information and make it accessible with great speed—is akin to the philosopher’s quest for truth. It is not enough to simply gather knowledge; it must be arranged, made clear, and shared with those who seek it. The speed with which we can access knowledge today mirrors the urgency with which the ancients sought to discover and understand the world around them.

In contrast, Facebook, with its focus on sharing and connection, evokes the spirit of the ancient Agora, the public square where citizens gathered not just to exchange goods, but to exchange ideas, to build relationships, and to shape the future of their communities. The Greeks, particularly in Athens, understood that the true strength of a society lies not just in the knowledge it possesses but in the bonds it creates. In much the same way, Facebook has become a digital agora, a place where people from all corners of the world can come together, share their thoughts, their lives, and, perhaps, their souls. This focus on connections is not just a business model, but a reflection of a deeper human desire: the need for belonging.

The missions of these two companies speak to something larger than just corporate goals. They reflect the dual drives that have propelled humanity forward throughout history: the pursuit of knowledge and the longing for connection. The libraries of Alexandria, once the great storehouses of human learning, existed not just to preserve knowledge but to share it with those who sought it. The silk roads, once the arteries through which goods and cultures flowed, were not merely trade routes, but pathways for human connection—spanning empires and continents. Both knowledge and connection are timeless human needs, and it is through them that civilizations are built and shaped.

Consider the story of Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. His invention, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge, laid the groundwork for the modern information age. In his time, books were scarce, and knowledge was the domain of a select few. But Gutenberg’s press brought information to the masses, transforming society in ways that were as profound as the advent of Google. Similarly, the internet and social platforms like Facebook have made it possible for us to connect across vast distances, transcending the physical barriers that once kept us apart. Gutenberg's mission, like Google's and Facebook's, was not simply about technology; it was about changing the world by making it more connected and informed.

The lesson in Buchheit’s words is a call to action for all of us. The missions of Google and Facebook remind us of the power of purpose. When a company, or an individual, is driven by a clear mission, the path forward becomes not just possible but inevitable. The ancient philosophers sought truth, the poets sought to bind the hearts of men with stories, and today, we are called upon to seek connection and understanding. Each of us, in our personal and professional lives, must ask ourselves: What is our mission? What is the purpose that drives us forward? Are we seeking knowledge and insight, or are we fostering relationships that bring us closer to each other? Are we organizing information, or are we creating connections that bind humanity together?

The practical action for all who listen is to embrace the mission that calls to your spirit. Whether you are a creator, a leader, a teacher, or a dreamer, find the mission that drives you—be it knowledge, connection, or a combination of both—and follow it with unwavering determination. Just as Google and Facebook have changed the world by staying true to their missions, so too can you change your world by staying true to your own. The world, like the ancient civilizations, needs both the organizers of knowledge and the builders of connection. Become one of them, and in doing so, you will not only shape your own destiny but the destiny of generations to come.