David McCullough’s “The Wright Brothers” is a story about two brothers and one incredible moment in American history. But it’s also a story that resonates with anyone who believes deeply in the power of technology to change lives—and the resistance some have to new innovations. In their time, people were excited about bicycles but also scared, among other things, that they would take kids too far from their parents. That fear paled in comparison to something as crazy as human flight. But the Wright Brothers were determined to do whatever it took to fly, even building their own cabin at remote Kitty Hawk, known for its winds and soft sand surfaces. The whole world celebrated once they showed the power of their invention. Today, there are so many other important innovations facing doubt and skepticism: Can technologies that reduce the levels of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere help us to reverse climate change? Can machine learning and artificial intelligence improve the ways we interact with the world around us? I strongly believe technology has a unique ability to do many things most people can’t even imagine right now.
Mr. Pichai is the CEO of Google.
Let’s not let fear defeat our values
I came to the US from India 22 years ago. I was fortunate enough to gain entry to a university here, and time after time, I saw that hard work opened other doors. I have built a career and a family and a life here. And I’ve felt as much a part of this country, as I felt growing up in India.
My experience is obviously not unique. It’s been said a million times that America is the “land of opportunity” — for millions of immigrants, it’s not an abstract notion, but a concrete description of what we find here. America provided access to opportunities that simply didn’t exist for many of us before we arrived.
And it’s not just about opportunity. The open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of new Americans is one of the country’s greatest strengths and most defining characteristics. And that is no coincidence — America, after all, was and is a country of immigrants.
That is why it’s so disheartening to see the intolerant discourse playing out in the news these days — statements that our country would be a better place without the voices, ideas and the contributions of certain groups of people, based solely on where they come from, or their religion.
I walk around the campus where I work and see a vibrant mix of races and cultures. Every one of those people has a different voice … a different perspective … a different story to tell. All of that makes our company an exciting and special place to be, and allows us to do great things together. We are urgently working to become much more diverse, because it’s so important to our future success. I firmly believe that whether you’re building a company or leading a country, a diverse mix of voices and backgrounds and experiences leads to better discussions, better decisions, and better outcomes for everyone.
I debated whether to post this, because lately it seems that criticism of intolerance just gives more oxygen to this debate. But I feel we must speak out — particularly those of us who are not under attack. Everyone has the right to their views, but it’s also important that those who are less represented know that those are not the views of all.
Let’s not let fear defeat our values. We must support Muslim and other minority communities in the US and around the world.
Watching baby steps of drone delivery, courtesy of Google X (5 miles in 5 mins is the promise)
What motivated you to switch from metallergy, mathematics to computer science and the
2nd question: Did you ever feel incompetent or even bit insecure while working with people who were even more qualified than you were?
Answers by Google CEO:
I was always interested in technology. Actually I would encourage all of you in some point of your life have to work with people where you feel a bit insecure. That is essential because you are working with people who are better than you and who were pushing you right and always encourage you if you actually feel secure in what you do, what you know , it means you are doing something comfortable if you are not pushing yourself. So many times working with people or in a group am I doing enough, are these people much better than me and I think that is the inherent part of the learning.
Let yourself get insecure from time to time. Look for opportunities to re-invent yourself. Important to follow your dreams. Do something that excites you. This generation is less afraid of taking risks. Do things, not just learn them. You have to push yourself enough. Need education to have a hands on approach. You have to work with people who make you feel insecure. Because you are working with people better than you. If you are comfortable in what you do, then you are not pushing yourself, it is an inherent part of learning.
I remember when i started working, people discussing ideas, they would build on it. It a part of the culture.
