People are looking to have more meaning in their lives. It is a

In the quietest moments of reflection, when the world seems to pause, a great shift occurs. The people—the countless souls scattered across the earth—begin to ask themselves the most profound of questions: What is the purpose of this fleeting existence? They yearn not for riches, nor for power, but for meaning. They seek something deeper, something that transcends the mundane and touches the very essence of their being. It is in this moment of collective questioning that the words of John Doerr echo across the ages: “People are looking to have more meaning in their lives. It is a sign the technology community is coming of age.” These words are not mere observations; they are a beacon, a signal of transformation and awakening.

For so long, the world has chased the ephemeral dreams of progress, led by the relentless march of technology. In its early days, technology was seen as a tool—a hammer to build empires, a fire to light the path. It was a means to an end, a force that promised efficiency and speed, but it was still devoid of the deeper connection that the human spirit craved. Yet as the years have passed, something extraordinary has begun to unfold. Technology is no longer just about machines or systems; it is now about people, their desires, and their need to find meaning in a world that moves too swiftly, a world that often leaves the heart behind.

This yearning for meaning is not new; it is as ancient as humankind itself. When the great philosophers of old sought to understand the nature of the universe, they were not merely seeking knowledge—they were seeking purpose. In the days of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, there was a desire to know not just the what and the how, but the why. Why do we live? Why do we toil? And most of all, why do we seek? This same yearning stirs in us today, though it is now whispered through the lens of technology. We stand at the crossroads of innovation and reflection, and the wisdom of the past beckons us to remember that the tools we create must serve not only the mind, but also the soul.

The story of the great Renaissance provides a powerful example. In that age of discovery, the minds of artists and scientists alike sought to answer the most profound questions of existence. Leonardo da Vinci, a master of both the sciences and the arts, saw no separation between the two. His genius lay not in the mechanics of his inventions, but in the way he infused them with a deeper sense of purpose. His works, though they bridged the gap between art and science, were always an expression of something more—a search for meaning in every stroke of the brush, every gear and wheel of his machines. It was not enough for him to simply create; he sought to understand the world and his place within it. So too must we, in our pursuit of technology, seek not only to innovate, but to elevate the human spirit.

Doerr’s words suggest that technology has now reached a pivotal moment in its evolution. Like a young child who has grown into adulthood, it is coming of age. In the past, technology served the pursuit of wealth, of power, of efficiency. But now, it is clear that humanity is awakening to a greater truth—that innovation must serve a higher purpose. It must become a force not merely for material gain, but for personal fulfillment and collective well-being. As the great Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” So too must our technologies serve the greater good, not just the individual gain.

Consider the story of Steve Jobs, the visionary who helped usher in an era of personal computing and mobile technology. Jobs did not simply create to make money—he created to change the world. His vision for Apple was not only about sleek designs or groundbreaking innovation, but about empowering individuals. Through his products, he gave people the tools to express themselves, to create, to connect. He understood that the true power of technology lies not in its hardware or software, but in its ability to enhance the lives of those who use it, to provide them with a sense of meaning and purpose.

And so, the lesson we must draw from the wisdom of John Doerr is this: As we march forward in this age of technological marvels, we must remember that meaning is the true currency of the soul. The tools we build, the systems we create, must be guided by a deeper sense of purpose—a purpose that transcends the individual and touches the very heart of what it means to be human. In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: Are we creating with a sense of meaning, or merely for the sake of progress? Are we living with purpose, or are we simply chasing after the fleeting whims of the moment?

Let us, then, take these teachings to heart. In all that we do, whether in our work or in our personal lives, let us strive to infuse meaning into our actions. Let us not merely create for the sake of creation, but for the sake of growth, of connection, and of fulfillment. The time has come for the technology community to truly come of age—and with it, we all have the opportunity to find the deeper purpose we have long sought. May we rise to meet it.