The First Technology? Humanity Itself December 30, 2010

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2010/11/03/Kevin_Kelly_What_Technology_Wants

In defining the corpus of technological invention as "the technium," Kevin Kelly defines humanity itself as the first technology, declaring that we created ourselves. "We are the created and the creator," says Kelly. "We will always be the masters and slaves of technology."

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Most of us have a love/hate relationship with new inventions, such as the "crackberry," for example. Kevin Kelly declares this conflict as inherent to all technology. But he also argues that technology is not anti-nature, but rather the "seventh kingdom" of life; it now shares with life certain biases, urges, needs and tendencies. By adopting the principles of pro-action and engagement, we can steer technologies into their best roles. - Commonwealth Club of California

Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. Previously, he was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review. He co-founded the ongoing Hackers' Conference and helped launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985.

Kevin Kelly is the author of New Rules for the New Economy and Out of Control. He is currently editor and publisher of the popular websites Cool Tools and The Quantified Self. His most recent book is What Technology Wants.