How often do you spend an hour or more in uninterrupted, deep concentration? While listening to Cal Newport detail his work habits, it occurred to me that I rarely spend much time completely focused on one thing. Which means my brain hasn't wired itself to optimally sustain such mental states. I suspect this is fairly common in the world today, with how much we refer to our smartphones and especially social media. What impact does this have? Are Americans distinct in this regard, or is this prevalent all over the world?

A foreboding feeling arises when we consider such questions. Our technology enables astonishing things and lives of convenience. Does it also dampen our global consciousness? Can we manipulate incentives to actually unite humanity and inspire change? Time will tell. Maybe it simply starts with concentration and reflection—who do we want to be as individuals, and as a species.