Sunday, September 6, 2009

What would Google do

I was recently reading a book called 'What would Google do'

The video gives a sneak-preview of the content of the book
http://fora.tv/2009/02/18/Jeff_Jarvis_What_Would_Google_Do

The book is about Google's philosophy and how the internet is revolutionizing modern day economics. The book tries to extend Google's philosphy to other industries do. So, pick an industry and think how Google would operate in that domain, asking yourself 'What would Google do' - that's what the book is about.

One other interesting observation is that modern day's connectivity makes you more connected than ever before. Since you can't really lose in touch with anyone, does that make you more accountable? (connection to iterated Prisoner's dilemma? :D) Something to think about.

Jeff Jarvis refers to a quote by Eric Schmidt in this interview:-


I have a specific suggestion that it should be common and legal to change your name at twenty-one and say, "That wasn't me. It was a different person. Kind of looks like me but I've changed a lot."
- Eric Schmidt

The quote echoes what's going on in my mind. I think most of us would have felt a big change in ourselves after 21 years. Our principles and outlook on many of the major issues of life - career, money, God, friendship, love, society would have changed. Not that I don't believe in accountability - I always believe that you reap what you sow. In our childhood, we are heavily influenced by parents and immediate society. I think you are truly yourself when you think independently. And when you do realize what really matters to you, you find yourself very different from who you were in your childhood. Stranger in the mirror! :)