Which came first, the BIT or the ATOM? Which will help us tackle the biggest problems in our future?

Image showing hardware and software components.

There are BIT maximalists and ATOMists among us, dug into our respective trenches. Which should we value more, BITS (software) or ATOMS (hardware), and how do we decide on the value of each? Perhaps we can place value based on how each will be deployed to solve humanity’s greatest problems in the future.

Below are 10 of the major challenges still seeking our solutions (in no special order) to which I’ve assigned either BIT (for software solution) or ATOM (for hardware solution) as the major solution needed:

1. Climate Change: Mitigating and adapting to climate change is crucial for sustaining life on Earth and avoiding catastrophic consequences such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems. (ATOM)

2. Poverty and Inequality: Addressing poverty and reducing inequality can lead to improved standards of living, better health outcomes, and increased social cohesion within societies. (ATOM)

3. Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation is essential for public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. (ATOM)

4. Global Health Pandemics: Developing effective strategies for preventing, detecting, and responding to global health pandemics such as COVID-19 is critical for safeguarding public health and minimizing socioeconomic disruptions. (BIT)

5. Food Security: Achieving food security involves ensuring that all people have access to nutritious and affordable food, which requires sustainable agriculture practices and equitable distribution systems. (ATOM)

6. Conflict and Violence: Promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and reducing violence can create safer and more stable environments for communities to thrive and prosper. (BIT)

7. Education Access and Quality: Improving access to quality education for all individuals can empower people to reach their full potential, drive economic growth, and foster social development. (BIT)

8. Biodiversity Loss: Halting the loss of biodiversity and protecting ecosystems is essential for maintaining ecological balance, preserving species diversity, and sustaining essential ecosystem services. (BIT)

9. Technological Risks: Managing the risks associated with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology is crucial for ensuring that technological advancements benefit humanity while minimizing potential harms. (BIT)

10. Mental Health: Addressing mental health challenges, including stigma, access to care, and support systems, is vital for promoting overall well-being and productivity in societies. (ATOM)

My result is 50% BIT and 50% ATOM. I’ll call this, “BIT-ATOM Duality.”

It is no surprise to me that we live in (or have created a life that is) a BIT-ATOM Duality.

What IS surprising to me is how it is only recently that people (investors) are realizing that we don’t just live in a BIT-Singularity.

I believe that to seriously approach humanity’s needs and challenges moving forward, we need equal investment in BITS (software) and ATOMS (hardware). I hope we see it! I think we’re starting to see it!

After all, a BIT without “IT” is just “B”…ullsh..!