Reflection

“Akira Kurosawa’s Village of the Watermills” touched me deeply with its important message. It’s
about a small community relying on watermills to survive. I learned two key things.

First, the film showed how working together as a community is crucial. The villagers supported each
other and fixed the watermills together, highlighting the value of teamwork. It made me think about
helping others in our own lives, especially in a world that often stresses individual success.

Second, the watermills, as a symbol of sustainability and resourcefulness, were also eye-opening.
They harnessed the natural power of water to grind grain and provide for the villagers. This made me
think about our own use of resources and how we can learn from nature to create sustainable
solutions for our modern challenges, like energy conservation and environmental protection.

Furthermore, the film highlighted the idea that technology can be a double-edged sword. When a
new water pump threatens to replace the traditional watermills, it represents progress and efficiency
but also threatens the community’s way of life. This made me consider the delicate balance between
embracing innovation and preserving traditions. It’s a dilemma we often face in our rapidly changing
world.

In conclusion, “Akira Kurosawa’s Village of the Watermills” is a beautiful reminder of the timeless
values of community, sustainability, and the impact of technology. It made me realize the importance
of cherishing our heritage, working together, and finding harmony between progress and tradition.

Heidegger’s “The Technology’s Impact on Technology can This relates to a

Question of Technology” Existence distance us from
authentic existence,
affecting our sense
of purpose.
Hickel’s “Forget Economic Growth and My key takeaway is
‘developing poor Sustainability that an excessive
countries, it’s time to focus on economic
de-develop’ rich growth can harm
Countries” the planet and
people’s well-being.
Aristotle’s Virtue and Eudaimonia Virtue and moral
“Nicomachean Ethics” character lead to
eudaimonia, a state
of flourishing and
well-being.
“Good Life” because
technology’s
influence can either
enhance or hinder
our ability to lead a
meaningful and
fulfilling life.
I believe it’s related
to a “Good Life” as it
highlights the need
to balance
economic growth
with sustainability
to ensure a better
life for everyone on
Earth.
To me, it’s related to
a “Good Life”
because it suggests
that living a virtuous
and morally upright
life leads to personal
 flourishing and
overall well-being.
Joy’s “Why The Future Ethical Considerations in Ethical concerns in I see the connection
Does Not Need Us” Technology advancing to a “Good Life” as it
technology require reminds us that
thoughtful ethical choices in
evaluation and technology are
responsibility. crucial for our
quality of life and
the definition of a
good life.

Synthesis Statement: Combining what we’ve learned from these four articles, it shows that a ‘Good
Life’ is all about using technology wisely, balancing economic growth while also taking care of our
planet, being a good and moral person, and making ethical choices when dealing with technology. It
means living with purpose and balance, thinking about how our actions affect the planet, and making
good ethical decisions.