Energy, Technology, Culture and Politics:
(Trying to put it all together)
Energy:
Ultimately, it is "energy" (in all its forms) that makes the "world go round" (in all its various ways).
Economics:
So, presumably, "economics" is
primarily concerned with how we use physical energy (as represented
nowadays by the fictional notion of "money").
Technology:
Knowledge of the physical techniques
used to channel "energy" in ways desired by those who exploit it are
collectively known as "technology".
Culture and Art:
....Presumably, "culture" is primarily concerned with how we use both physical and mental energy in relation to (local) group aspirations, needs and available resources.
-Individual expressions of this are called "art".
Politics:
So politics, then becomes how
politicians exploit "culture" (through "economics") for their own
benifit -and "economics" is how business people exploit "energy" for
their personal benifit. Then, who, or what, is responsible for
organising "energy" for the benifit of the entire community -or does
the "community" only exist to be exploited by individuals for personal
gain? If humanity exists only to be exploited by the few -how
sustainable is this exploitation? Is (individual or group)
"exploitation" always a slow form of suicide?
Propaganda:
Surely, such thoughts are simple
enough for the most common of people on the street to understand -but
can it also be explained to "intellectuals" who have their own vested
(cultural) interests?
Priorities:
Perhaps ultimately, "energy" and "culture"
are more important than politics or economy. But how do you explain
that to people who work politically but refuse to get too "technical" while also having no real idea of what "culture" (or "technology") really is -or what it means for culture and how it changes society?
The nanotubes stay put and function even when the fabric is stretched
The method was initially demonstrated using plain paper
The next step is to integrate the
approach with materials that store more energy, in order to create more
useful batteries. By combining the approach with other electronic
materials in the ink, the team believes even wearable solar cells are
possible.
Prof Al-Hassani
has his own theory, though there are others. Science flourished in the
Muslim world for so long, he believes, because it was seen as expanding
knowledge in the interests of society as a whole.