The New Alexandrians

The sharing of knowledge. Is that not what learning is really all about? We know a study cannot be considered research until it is at least shared within one's peer group. We share our knowledge, experiences, and world-view within certain peer groups whether they be of an academic nature or a commercial one. Yet we remain somewhat close to the vest when it comes to the applications we construct from that shared knowledge.

Don't we?

I believe our society is under the influence of a massive cultural shift. Western culture has traditionally lauded personal achievement and individualism. Capitalism is based on these factors. Our existing society is largely based on these factors; the peer-sharing achievements of IBM and P&G nothwithstanding. Ours is essentially a system of meritocracy in which those who produce the greatest amount of IP or perhaps the greatest number of applications to their IP receive the greatest rewards.
Its no different in an academic setting. As much as we are taught to collaborate and work as a team, individuals may still be prone to a certain level of egoism that if expressed might seriously deteriorate the mission of the team.

But this tendency is shifting in small degrees. First, the N generation or Z generation as some have called them--those born since 1995--may just change everything.

This generation has never known a time when they could not instantly communicate with the world whether through the internet or their own cell phones. Those born 10-12 years earlier would communicate with short beeper messages, an inchoate form of texting you might say. But these kids, those of the tech generation have grown up under a different set of rules than we baby-boomers!

First they are taught that everyone wins! When they play in T-ball tournaments has small children, both teams get trophies. I don't know if it is a growing trend of parents trying to prevent hurt feelings among their children, or something else entirely. But really, losing at T-ball may be one of those things that teaches a child coping skills.

Second, they are told they are special and unique by everyone close to them. They are allowed a whole new level of permissiveness than we were as children. They are taught to believe that their every word is an effusion of brilliance.

Finally, they have been taught that many things can be had for free, if one knows how to go about it. Napster first opened this door of free sharing of music files. There are many who believe the IP of musicians and TV and Movie producers, and even authors should be freely available to those who want it.

Personally I take the somewhat unpopular view that owners of IP, creative IP in particular, have a right to earn a living from their creation.

But I digress. My point is that while these cultural boundaries of individualism and egoism may continue to exist for a time to come, it will be this new generation that truly embraces collaboration.

Let's hope they can do it with collectivity and not collectivism.