An Old Greek Myth Claims That Technology Can Bring Us Closer To Nature: Here’s How

The tale of Prometheus is one that has been told for centuries. It tells the story of a Greek Titan, with a special affinity for the human race, who stole fire from the ancient gods on top of Mount Olympus and gave it to mankind. This simple yet powerful story underscores the transformative power of technology, beginning with the mastery of fire, which has allowed humans to accomplish feats that were once impossible.

From cooking to manufacturing to driving, fire has helped us harness huge amounts of energy, making it one of the oldest and longest-lasting forms of technology in existence. Yet, for all its humble roots in nature, we tend not to think of most modern technology as “natural”. However, here are five ways that technology is actually bringing us closer to nature, and one way it may drive us away from it forever.

1. Drinking Poop Water With Portable Water Purification Devices

It took the mastery of fire to truly tame water, and for a long time in human history, boiling water was the only way to sterilize it and make it potable. Recently, however, we have seen the emergence of portable water purification devices, like the LifeStraw, which utilizes a charcoal and iodine filter with an advanced membrane to provide instant access to clean drinking water. These devices now allow outdoor enthusiasts to go further and longer than ever before, freeing them from the weight and expense of carrying their own water or boiling it to sterilize it.

2. Charging Anywhere With Portable Power Sources And A Global Power Grid

Portable solar power chargers have made it easier than ever to charge our devices on the go, while wireless power for mobile devices is set to revolutionize the industry. By the end of 2016, most major Android phone manufacturers will follow Samsung’s lead and include wireless charging as standard in all new phones. These advances have the potential to create a global wireless power grid, eliminating the need to charge devices altogether.

3. Project Loon Keeps Us Crazy Connected

Google’s Project Loon uses high-altitude balloons to deliver internet access to unreachable areas. Wilderness rescue crews, for example, could potentially use it to hone in on missing persons’ cellphone signals, adding a new dimension of safety to outdoor activities.

4. Cameras, Drones, And Wearables

The rising popularity of photography has given birth to drone art, which offers a new way to capture breathtaking views of nature from above. Wearable tech and automation are also on the rise, with companies like Nixie developing wearable drones that detach, fly out, take a picture, and then return to the wearer.

5. Augmented Reality Will Change Your World

Augmented reality has the potential to revolutionize outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing, adding a new dimension of immersion and interactivity to nature. This new technology aims to overlay images and pictures on top of the real world, providing a kind of heads-up display of the world around us.

6. Virtual Reality- And The Death Of The Outdoors?

Virtual reality (VR) is perhaps the most game-changing technology set to hit shelves this year. The entire VR market, predicted to be worth over $30 billion by 2020, will provide an entirely new way to experience nature. This technology could provide an alternative to real-life outdoor activities, reducing the number of people who actually explore the natural world.

In conclusion, the tale of Prometheus reminds us that technology has always been a powerful force for change, and has always had the potential to transform our relationship with nature. While some fear that new technologies like VR could lead us away from nature, the fact remains that technology has the power to bring us closer to it in ways we never thought possible. The key, as with any technology, is to ensure that we use it wisely, and in ways that respect and preserve the natural world around us.