The ‘flat world’ is a term coined by Thomas Freidman for a world that is becoming smaller, more global than ever before in history. This flattening of the world is due laregly to the massive technological advances that have been occurring in recent times – especially the development of the internet and digital communication.
These advances in technology have forced major shifts in workplace practices. Many multinational corporations are now global, running their business efficiently around the world through the use of the internet, teleconferencing, and international travel.
I first opened up Friedman’s book in KL International Airport, Malaysia on a flight from Sydney to Vietnam in May 2006. My husband and I sat drinking hot chocolates at 4.30 am in Starbucks café, while transiting in Kuala Lumpa.
As I casually flicked through the pages in a half-dazed state, having slept little on the plane, I had an eye-opening moment. I was living the flat world that he was talking about. I sat in a very Americanised café, watching travellers from all over the world converse with the staff in a multitude of languages, purchasing coffees with a diverse range of currencies. I knew we were experiencing a flattening world.
What will the future be like for our children? How is this relevant to us as parents thinking about our children and how we chose to raise them?
What to do next?
- Go back to Preparing our children for the future
- Learn more about our online Family Program The 10 Secrets of Successful Families
