Imagine yourself living in a *utopian* world where you experience neither pain nor change. Normally, you may not be delighted with this idea. However, there is no reason to worry because it’s not what is waiting for us in the future.

The phenomenon, which is going on now and will keep appearing in the future, is called a *protopia*. This means that our world is constantly improving by tiny steps. Protopia suggests that each day brings small improvements, steadily making things better than the previous day. While some new inventions may bring challenges like higher energy needs, the benefits always outweigh the drawbacks. Yet, dwelling in a protopia also implies a state of consistent change. Technology relentlessly propels forward, accelerating progress without respite. Simply put, because everything is constantly changing and evolving, you and everyone else will always be beginners in something.

In the world of innovation, no invention can be considered ultimate or immutable because each creation serves as a stepping stone for subsequent inventions or advancements. Consider, for example, how the introduction of personal computers acted as a catalyst, paving the path for the development of the Internet.

Human technology continually advances, with each innovation potentially triggering others, making progress unpredictable. Predictions are best expressed as generalized trends. As technology advances, you'll perpetually feel like a newcomer, regardless of your past knowledge and experience. Adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape requires upgrading your devices, and we know how long it takes to get accustomed to new technology.

Your perpetual novice status is further exacerbated by the decreasing lifespan of devices and software, leaving you with limited time to truly master any technology. For instance, the average smartphone app now becomes obsolete within just 30 days, indicating the relentless pace of change in information technology.

This unceasing technological progression, particularly in artificial intelligence, will be our next focus of exploration.