A balanced response to dramatic change
There is no doubt that the world is changing very rapidly. This is true in many spheres: technology, politics, economics, and social. These changes present significant challenges to individuals, families, communities, businesses, institutions, and countries. On this blog there have been many posts and comments about how science and universities are changing. I think there are three common mistakes in how people respond to these changes. 1. Denial. Claim that the changes are not really that significant (either qualitatively or quantitatively) and we should just keep on operating in the same way. This response will mostly come from those who are not directly affected in the short term. 2. On the other hand, some claim everything has changed and that everything is up for grabs , and they begin to lose sight of basic truths and goals, whether it is human aspirations or the content of physics curricula. 3. Seduction by the "change merchants." These are the opportunists: wh