ORIGINAL SUBMISSION WA17

Option 1
The Greek myths of Prometheus, Daedalus/Icarus, and Midas all illustrate the concept of hubris leading to nemesis. Identify a specific technology in your own life — a device, platform, or system you use regularly — and analyze it through the lens of one of these myths. In what ways does your relationship to this technology reflect the pattern of hubris the myth describes? What would “nemesis” look like in this context?

The Greek myth of King Midas has always stood out to me as a story where a gift turns into something far more complicated. Midas was given the ability to turn everything he touched into gold, which at first seemed like the perfect reward. But it didn’t take long before that “gift” became a problem, because he could no longer eat, drink, or even interact with others without turning them into something lifeless. The story shows how hubris works—not just as pride, but as the belief that more of something good will always make life better. Midas didn’t think about limits, and that’s where everything began to fall apart.

When I think about this idea in modern life, I immediately see a connection to the technology I use every day, especially artificial intelligence and digital tools. These tools are incredibly helpful, and I use them to organize my thoughts, work through ideas, and handle tasks more efficiently. In many ways, they feel like an advantage—something that gives me more capability, just like Midas felt when he first received his power. It’s easy to see why someone would want more of that kind of ability, because it genuinely improves how things get done.

But this is where the pattern of hubris starts to show up. I’ve noticed that when everything becomes about speed, efficiency, and getting results quickly, something else starts to fade into the background. There is less patience for thinking things through slowly, less tolerance for uncertainty, and less space for the kind of struggle that often leads to real understanding. It makes me wonder if trying to make everything more “useful” or optimized could eventually take away some of the depth that makes experiences meaningful. Just like Midas didn’t realize what he was losing, it’s possible to focus so much on improvement that you lose sight of what actually matters.

If there is a modern version of nemesis in this situation, I don’t think it would come all at once. It would probably show up gradually, in small ways that are easy to ignore at first. It might look like always choosing efficiency over understanding, or having constant interaction but not much real connection. In a strange way, it would be a life that appears full—full of tools, answers, and activity—but feels a little empty underneath. That’s what makes the myth of Midas still relevant, because it reminds us that not everything should be turned into something more productive or valuable. Some things need to stay human in order to actually matter.

POLISHED SUBMISSION WA17

WA17 — Option 1
Using a Greek myth (Prometheus, Daedalus/Icarus, or Midas), analyze a technology in your life through the lens of hubris and nemesis.

The Greek myth of King Midas illustrates how a gift can become a burden when taken without limits. Midas is granted the ability to turn everything he touches into gold, which at first seems like the perfect reward. However, the gift quickly becomes destructive, as he can no longer eat, drink, or interact with others without turning them into something lifeless. The myth shows how hubris operates—not simply as pride, but as the belief that more of something good will always lead to a better outcome. Midas fails to consider limits, and that failure leads directly to his downfall.

This pattern is visible in my own relationship with modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence and digital tools. These tools are incredibly useful, helping me organize ideas, solve problems, and complete tasks more efficiently. Like Midas’s gift, they feel like an advantage—something that expands what I am capable of doing. It is easy to see why someone would want more of that kind of power, because it genuinely improves productivity and access to information.

However, this is where the pattern of hubris begins to emerge. When everything becomes focused on speed, efficiency, and immediate results, something else begins to fade. There is less patience for slow thinking, less tolerance for uncertainty, and less space for the kind of struggle that often leads to deeper understanding. In trying to make everything more optimized or useful, it becomes possible to lose the depth and meaning that come from more deliberate, human-centered processes. Like Midas, it is easy to focus on what is gained without recognizing what may be lost.

In this context, nemesis would not appear suddenly, but gradually. It would show up in subtle ways: choosing efficiency over understanding, constant interaction without meaningful connection, or an increasing reliance on tools that reduces independent thought. Life could appear full—filled with answers, tools, and activity—yet feel diminished beneath the surface. This reflects the deeper warning of the myth: that not everything should be transformed into something more productive or valuable. Some aspects of life must remain human in order to retain their meaning.

Ultimately, the story of Midas remains relevant because it reminds us to question the assumption that more capability always leads to better outcomes. In my own use of technology, this means recognizing both the benefits and the limits of these tools. It requires maintaining awareness, balance, and intentional use, ensuring that efficiency does not replace understanding. Like the myths we studied, modern technology reflects human choices, and those choices determine whether its power enhances or diminishes what matters most.