New tools make the jobs dumber

I make software tools for a very specialized industry, putting data on paper.

People (companies) want all kinds of things, we have lots of clients, hence we have lots of different programs to write.

The 'programmers' who deal with the "production" work of marshalling, composing, and printing the data are just kids, they could not write or understand the code in any of the tools they use: web servers, web site frameworks, databases, scripting languages, font makers, composers, printers. Yet they regularly use them all and pull off amazing things.

When I write a new tool, am I making those kids dumber? or enabling them to raise to loftier heights?

Clearly the level of abstraction and depth of understanding are inversely propotional when it comes to these kids. They soak up techniques for using the higher levels of abstractions, occasionally, learning a new trick with something one level down from where they are used to working and are generally totall unaware of any new potential levels of abstraction above them, which might be created to give them even more power.

This is a model of 'intellegence' described in the Baha'i Faith. Abdu'l-Baha, explains that although mankind is one, all men and women are equal in the sight of God, there are different degrees among people and further more there is limited awareness between these degree levels. People will gravitate to their own degree and stay there. This applies to many environments and capacities and is not a merit measure. But it does explain many things we see and struggle with in our daily lives.

So should I feel bad about kids who understand less complex computer issues than I? No, should I feel good that I understand more than they? No, also. We are of different degrees! But there should be a great compassion, humility, and exhiliration that can be felt by all in our interactions. They can learn from me forever, I can never understand my own limitations, and together we can do wonders.