Listening and Responding

Alexander Graham Bell had a lifelong interest in sound. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, his family included several specializing in speech instruction. Some of this interest was inspired by his mother and wife, both of whom had hearing impairments. Seeking to help, Bell studied under his grandfather, a noted speech teacher.

While ostensibly working in 1875 on a device to send multiple telegraph signals over the same wire, he heard a surprising sound. That led him to investigate whether his invention could transmit the sound of a human voice. On March 10, 1876, Bell shouted to his assistant through the mouthpiece, “Mr. Watson, come here – I want to see you.” To his amazement, Watson responded. He had heard and understood everything said.

This breakthrough led to a revolution in communications. Bell himself, although granted a patent for his telephone, faced years of battles in the courts. Yet his invention led to more breakthroughs. Today, we see the impact of his invention all around us.

Bell would be amazed to see how his invention has changed the world. More than ever, communications convey information, but it also impacts lives. It heals and wounds. It entertains and spreads gossip. And it brings us a staggering variety of content.

These lessons remind us of the power of our words, a power that can be amplified through technology to greatly expand our reach.

These are reasons to be careful what we say and how we use technology. To be careful what we communicate, and what we allow into our minds. And to remember how technology can impact the world with the Gospel.