Hacker Ethic In The Modern World (week 12)

 

Hacker Ethic In The Modern World [1]

According to Wikipedia, hacking in terms of Hacker culture is “ a subculture of individuals who enjoy the intellectual challenge of creatively overcoming the limitations of software systems to achieve novel and clever outcomes. The act of engaging in activities such as programming or other media in a spirit of playfulness and exploration is termed hacking.”[1]

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I believe that the true definition of “Hacker Culture” in the true sense of the word “Hacker” is a very beautiful and inclusive definition that sparks a lot of positivity and optimism in my mind, to question the future and to actually solve problems in this world is a very comforting thought to imagine. To see the world as a giant problem waiting to be solved is a very beautiful and romanticised, maybe perhaps even the right way to see the world. Technology has changed the lives of so many people in the world and continues to do so, it maybe imperfect but in totality it has made the world a lot better than the previous generations. This sense of wonder and amazement at the realisation that you could change the world for the better is “Hacker Culture”

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Dr Pekka Himanen is a great Finnish philosopher, who graduated from Helsinki University at the age of 24 with a PHD in philosophy, the youngest ever person from Finland to ever receive a PHD. During his tenure, he also majored in Computer Science. He has been the counsellor for the president in matters pertaining to Information Society. He has also been a visiting professor at the Oxford Internet Institute from September 2005 to July 2006[2]. The great man explains what it really is that motivates the hackers of the world. Some are motivated by passion, out of pure love for their craft. Some are motivated by their belief in upholding freedom and it’s values.

    

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I am of the opinion that as long as there is that passion, the hacker culture will always exist whether it be 2020 or 2050. It may not thrive or be extremely successful but it will always be there. I personally am an arm wrestler, our sport is small and humble. It is an extremely misunderstood sport and people usually laugh from the outside looking in which can be extremely discouraging at times especially considering that I feel like I am misunderstood a lot even apart from my sport. However, at the end of the day, it is one of the few things I enjoy in this world. I feel similarly that no matter how far we look into the future, if the passion stays and remains in the hearts of young people everything will take care of itself. A new generation to take over the world filled with a million passionate hearts which will bear another generation which shall beget another generation to live, cry, celebrate, rejoice, hate and love the wonders of our beautiful world. Maybe some will fail but a lot will succeed, with passion and love, anything is possible.

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