The inventor of the Rubik’s cube is optimistic about the course of humanity

Nearly half a century after the iconic Rubik’s Cube was invented, the world has changed for the worse in numerous ways, plagued by climate change, overpopulation and the waste of natural resources, its Hungarian inventor said.

The colorful 3x3x3 cube puzzle, which has become one of Hungary’s best-known inventions around the world, is still popular among young and old, with hundreds of millions sold worldwide.

Erno Rubik, 78, an enthusiastic gardener who grows succulents in his state-of-the-art home in a Budapest suburb, pointed out that while technological progress has improved the world, the overall balance of change is negative – meaning that education to deal with challenges and connecting with the natural world is vital.

“Nature has systems that can restore balance if it is disturbed,” he told Reuters on a terrace of his square-dominated house, also designed by the architect Rubik.

“We have dramatically tipped that balance,” he said. “To me, the most painful thing is that we don’t seem to know anymore what it means to be humble, or frugal, or frugal.”

Rubik whose most famous invention is based on focus, problem solving and hands-on approach, said that the role of education is the most important in preparing the younger generations to deal with the impact.

“Much more should be invested, not just money, but attention, energy and intellectual effort so that future generations are better prepared to deal with our mistakes,” he said.

Rubik also warned against children’s overuse of digital games and devices, saying they limit the scope of their learning opportunities in the physical world.

“If I’m only seeing reality through a virtual lens, that diminishes the experience dramatically,” he said. “It’s like not reading a book yourself but having someone summarize the content of the book for you.

“We’re starting to lose touch with the real world,” he concluded.

RES-EMP

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