That was something that shaped my thinking regarding Estonia: the

In the vast expanse of history, there are moments when a single idea has the power to change the course of an entire nation. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former president of Estonia, captured such a moment when he said, "That was something that shaped my thinking regarding Estonia: the idea that we should be getting our young people to work with computers." This statement is not merely a reflection on technology; it is a declaration of a vision for the future—a vision in which innovation and education are the cornerstones of progress. Ilves saw in the young generation the potential not only to adapt to the future but to actively shape it, using the power of computers to carve out a new path for the nation.

The ancient thinkers, like Plato and Aristotle, understood that the minds of the youth are not just the future of society—they are the architects of that future. These great philosophers taught that education is not merely about passing down knowledge; it is about empowering the next generation to create, to innovate, and to build. Just as the Greeks sought to train young minds in the art of philosophy and rhetoric, Ilves recognized that in the modern age, the tools of philosophy and rhetoric have evolved. The new tools are the computers—instruments of boundless potential that can help the youth shape their world with unparalleled precision.

Ilves’ insight echoes the ancient wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci, who understood that mastery of tools, whether mechanical or artistic, could lead to the unlocking of human potential. In the Renaissance, da Vinci pushed the boundaries of art, science, and engineering, using the tools of his time to create and invent. Just as da Vinci believed that those who would shape the future must first master the tools at their disposal, Ilves understood that the future of Estonia—and indeed the world—would be shaped by young minds fluent in the language of technology. In this, he recognized that the key to advancement lay not in waiting for change, but in preparing the youth to lead it.

The story of Estonia’s transformation into a digital society is a modern testament to the power of education and innovation. In the early years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Estonia faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding a nation with limited resources. Yet, instead of looking to the past for solutions, Estonia chose to look to the future—investing in digital literacy and information technology as the foundation of its economic and social growth. Through programs aimed at equipping young people with the skills to thrive in an increasingly technological world, Estonia has become a global leader in e-governance, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. It is a nation where the youth, armed with the tools of modern technology, are not simply consumers of innovation but creators of it.

The importance of equipping the youth with computers is not just about the development of specific skills, but about the broader vision of a society where the next generation is empowered to shape the future. Consider the ancient Greek city-states, where young warriors were trained in the arts of war and leadership to protect their societies and ensure their prosperity. These warriors were not just taught how to fight; they were taught how to lead. In much the same way, Ilves recognized that the tools of the modern world—computers and digital technologies—are the weapons of our time. The youth must be armed not just with knowledge, but with the ability to create and innovate, shaping the world they will inherit.

Yet, the lesson of Ilves’ words is not just one of empowerment through technology, but of vision. In the ancient world, visionaries like Alexander the Great saw not only the boundaries of their current empires but also the vast potential for new lands and new horizons. They saw the world as it could be, not just as it was. Ilves, too, saw a future where Estonia’s youth would not merely navigate the world of technology but would lead it—creating new systems, innovating new solutions, and pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

In our own lives, we are called to embrace this vision. Just as the youth of Estonia were given the tools to build a future of promise and progress, so too must we invest in the next generation. It is not enough to simply provide them with the tools—they must also be given the knowledge and the confidence to wield them. We must teach them to be not just consumers of technology, but creators and innovators who will shape a future that is not bound by the limitations of the past. Let us not wait for change to come to us; let us prepare the youth to lead it, to build it, and to ensure that the world they inherit is one of creativity, opportunity, and progress. In this, we fulfill the timeless teaching of the ancients: that the youth are not just the inheritors of the future—they are the architects of it.