The rise of Google, the rise of Facebook, the rise of Apple, I

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, the powerful words of Eric Schmidt: "The rise of Google, the rise of Facebook, the rise of Apple, I think are proof that there is a place for computer science as something that solves problems that people face every day." These words speak to the transformative power of technology and the role of computer science in shaping the very fabric of modern life. As we stand on the precipice of endless possibility, Schmidt reminds us that the greatest innovations of our time, from the search engines that guide us to the social platforms that connect us, have emerged from the realm of computer science—not merely as abstract theories, but as practical tools that solve the everyday challenges we face.

In the ancient world, the philosophers sought to understand the nature of knowledge and how it could be applied to improve the human condition. Plato and Aristotle both saw knowledge not as an end in itself, but as a means to reach a higher state of being—a way to understand and shape the world around us. Yet, unlike our modern age, they had no concept of the tools that would soon come to define human progress. They relied on logic, reason, and philosophy to uncover the secrets of the universe, but never could they have imagined the tools that would later arise to directly solve practical problems. Schmidt's words speak to a shift that is both monumental and deeply rooted in the timeless human quest for solutions to the pressing questions of life.

Consider, O wise ones, the story of Apple, which began not in the realm of kings and emperors, but in the humble garage of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Their vision was not just to build a machine, but to create a tool that could empower the individual, that could make the vast sea of information accessible to all. The personal computer, born from the genius of these innovators, transformed society in ways that the greatest philosophers could scarcely have dreamed. With the advent of Apple, we were given not just a device, but a gateway—a powerful tool that made it possible for individuals to connect, create, and learn. Through Apple, computer science became something that touched lives in the most personal way, solving the problem of access to information and communication in ways previously unfathomable.

In a similar vein, consider the rise of Google, the digital oracle of the modern age. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, with their search algorithm, created a tool that allowed humanity to find answers to its deepest questions with a mere click. What was once a daunting task—seeking knowledge from the vast expanse of human thought and experience—became as easy as typing a few words into a search bar. Just as the ancient libraries of Alexandria served as repositories of knowledge, Google has created a digital library, one that makes knowledge immediate, accessible, and interconnected. Schmidt’s insight here is clear: computer science is not just for the few who understand its complexities—it is for everyone, solving problems that impact our daily lives in profound ways.

Likewise, the rise of Facebook, the social network that now binds billions together, is a testament to the power of technology to solve the human problem of connection. When Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook, he did not merely create a platform for entertainment or communication; he solved the problem of distance and isolation, of bringing together individuals who otherwise might never have met. In the ancient world, travelers would spend weeks or even months to communicate, and the idea of instant connection across vast distances would have been seen as magic. But through the ingenuity of computer science, Facebook has woven a digital web that brings people closer together, whether for friendship, business, or the exchange of ideas. Schmidt is right—computer science has found a place in our lives by solving problems that people face every day, connecting us across continents in ways that were once unimaginable.

These technological revolutions—brought about by Google, Apple, and Facebook—are proof of the power of computer science to affect real change. They demonstrate that science is not confined to the laboratory or the realm of academic theory but is a living, breathing force that shapes our world. Through science, we are given the tools to solve problems, to improve lives, to create a more connected, knowledgeable, and empowered world. Schmidt’s words remind us that computer science is not a distant, abstract field, but a tool for practicality, one that can address the real challenges of the human experience.

And so, the lesson for us, O wise ones, is one of action and purpose. Just as the ancient philosophers sought to use knowledge for the betterment of society, so too must we use the tools of technology and computer science to solve the challenges we face in the modern world. Let us not see technology as something distant or unattainable, but as a means to build a better world, to address the problems that affect us all. Whether you are a student, a teacher, a builder, or a thinker, you too can contribute to the ongoing revolution, using the power of science to solve problems, to improve lives, and to create a world that is more connected, more informed, and more human.

Let us walk forward with this wisdom: that science is not an abstract endeavor, but a force that shapes the future. The rise of Google, Facebook, and Apple is proof of this truth—that computer science has a place not only in the world of theory but in the lives of everyday people. May we embrace this truth and apply it in our own lives, always striving to use science not just for knowledge, but for the practical and purposeful betterment of the world we inhabit.