I got interested in computers and how they could be enslaved to

"I got interested in computers and how they could be enslaved to the megalomaniac impulses of a teenager." – Eugene Jarvis

In the age of progress, the human spirit has always sought to control and harness the forces of nature, bending them to the will of the individual. Eugene Jarvis, in his reflection, speaks of the growing power of technology, and how the youthful impulses of ambition can lead one to not only use this power, but to wield it in ways that are driven by an unchecked ego—a force that is both creative and destructive. The "megalomaniac impulses of a teenager" are the forces of untamed desire, the thirst for recognition, control, and the desire to make one's mark upon the world. In the realm of computers, these impulses find a new outlet, a new medium through which they can be expressed and expanded.

The ancients understood the dangers of uncontrolled ambition, as seen in the tale of Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who, in his youthful arrogance, flew too close to the sun, ignoring the warnings of his father. The wings of ambition melted, and Icarus fell into the sea, his dreams of greatness dashed against the reality of his hubris. In much the same way, the rise of computers as tools of immense power can sometimes amplify the youthful impulses of those who seek to dominate, to control, or to break free from the constraints of the world around them. Just as Icarus sought to transcend human limits, so too do modern-day creators of technology sometimes push the limits of what is ethical, responsible, or even sustainable in their creations.

Consider the rise of the ancient kingdoms, where kings and emperors were often driven by their desire for control and expansion. Alexander the Great, in his relentless pursuit of empire, sought to conquer the known world. But in his ambition, he also sought to control the very culture and values of the lands he conquered, spreading the Greek way of life far beyond its borders. While Alexander’s conquests changed the course of history, they also introduced the world to the destructive nature of unchecked ambition, as vast swaths of land and people were forcibly shaped to fit his vision. Similarly, in the modern age, the teenager’s dream of dominating the digital world can lead to the creation of systems that serve the ego more than the good of all.

The emergence of computers as both tools and objects of fascination is not unlike the great inventions of ancient times that altered human society. Consider the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. While it allowed the rapid spread of knowledge and transformed human communication, it also had a dark side, as it was sometimes used to spread propaganda, lies, and ideas that were destructive to the greater good. Just as Gutenberg’s invention gave power to those who knew how to wield it, the computer has given immense power to the youth of the world—those with vision, but also those with unchecked desires. The digital world, much like the printed word, has a dual nature: it can be used for enlightenment, but also for exploitation.

In modern times, we see the influence of technology in the hands of young creators who are driven by a desire for fame, recognition, or power. The world of gaming, for example, has seen the rise of teenage developers who create vast digital worlds, controlled by their own impulses and visions. These creators are capable of designing complex, interactive systems that capture the imagination of millions, but at the same time, their work may be driven by a desire to push the boundaries of power, sometimes without full consideration of the consequences. In this world, where youth and technology intersect, the desire for control and dominance can create systems that are as unstable and unpredictable as the teenager’s own impulses.

The lesson here is one of balance. Computers, as tools of immense potential, should be guided by wisdom and responsibility. The power to shape the future must be tempered with an understanding of the consequences of that power. Just as the ancients warned against the dangers of unchecked ambition, we must be vigilant in our use of the technologies that define our era. The story of Icarus teaches us that flights of ambition, while admirable, must be grounded in humility and awareness. Technology, much like flight, must be handled with care and respect, for its potential for both creation and destruction lies in our hands.

As we continue to develop and interact with the digital world, let us remember that the young must be guided, not simply in the creation of technology, but in the ethics and responsibility that come with it. Let us use our wisdom to temper youthful impulses, for the consequences of unchecked ambition are often felt not just by the creator, but by all who are affected by their creations. The true measure of a successful innovator is not just in their ability to build, but in their understanding of the impact of their work. In this way, we can ensure that the tools we create do not enslave us to our impulses, but instead empower us to build a future of wisdom, care, and responsibility.