We are building more robust, extensive, and accessible communication channels than ever before. For me, the reason that communication is so important is the knowledge and understanding that it brings. In ancient times, the tribe or village on the other side of the mountain was a threat because they knew so little about each other. Today, there are few places left in the world on which we can not gather information about the people who live there. With this information comes awareness.
Awareness often produces interest.
Interest brings study. Study reveals insight. And insight, hopefully produces understanding and cooperation. The one area I am going to be watching with selfish interest is the development of hand held computer devices. Today these devices are in their infancy.