Navigating the Maze

Preamble

Opening doors and expanding horizons

Modern life without technology would be unthinkable, so much so that we never even consider the possibility. Rarely do we give a moment’s thought to where all the technological marvels came from, how they materialized, and what policies enabled them. By the time you finish reading this book, you will be able to answer those questions. More important, you will be able to use your knowledge to help shape the future of the country and the world, improve your chances of success professionally, and achieve a comfort level with today’s increasingly complex society. But first, let’s take a quick tour of technology in modern life.

Let’s begin with some things that almost seem like bodily appendages—smart ...