We stand today at the precipice of a new Renaissance era. Just as Florence saw an efflorescence of art, culture, science and humanism in the 14th and 15th centuries, our time is witnessing a rebirth across many domains. We have an opportunity to usher in another golden age of beauty, virtue, creativity and joy.
Technological advances have brought powers once reserved for the gods into our hands. Computer science has enabled feats of communication, production and discovery unimaginable just decades prior. Biotechnology and medical science expand lifespans and quality of living. Clean energy offers hopes of preserving our planet. And the internet has connected humanity in a global mind.
Yet for all these godlike powers technology provides, we must embrace that which makes us most human - our ability to create, appreciate beauty, seek truth and virtue, and promote human flourishing. We must ensure our technological Renaissance also encapsulates a cultural and philosophical Renaissance as well.
Our task then is to guide this emerging Renaissance to new heights - not just of technological achievement, but moral achievement. To uplift, inspire and impart meaning. To promote cultures and institutions that empower human development. And to build connections across peoples to see our shared hopes and dreams.
We therefore may look upon the dawn of this new Renaissance not only as beneficiaries, but also as stewards. We shall write sonnets in code, compose symphonies through chips, and sculpt great works through 3D printing. We shall paint with light, augmented worlds and virtual brushes wielded by the mind. We shall fuse science and art into forms beautiful and true.
So let us approach this new Renaissance not only with ambition, but also virtue - wisdom, justice, courage and moderation. Let beauty and truth guide us. And let all people share in the creative empowerment technology now enables.
We have been gifted an era that literalizes dreams into reality and fantasy into fact. May we soar on these gifts not into decadence, but into humanity's greatest century. A century where we transcend limits through science, while affirming our core spiritual nature through art.
A new Renaissance and Rebirth is here.