Hilbert’s list
In 1900, David Hilbert published a list of 23 problems that he proposed would be the important ones for mathematicians to solve in the upcoming century. That list led to a focused effort that lasted a century, and the vast majority of the problems have been fully or partially solved. Ignoramus et ignorabimus is a foolish statement. We can know, and one day, we will.
Technology (the technology of connection, of devices and of knowledge) can create a surplus. The cost of light, of transport and of food has dropped by orders of magnitude in just a few lifetimes. Most of us waste electricity, water and other essentials in ways that would have been astonishing just a generation ago. Privileged populations go to the doctor for illnesses that wouldn’t even be a topic for discussion among those with less access to the surplus that we’ve created in access to healthcare.
Surely, we can build a better future with technology instead of focusing on autonomous drone delivery of a latte 9 blocks away in San Francisco.
As we enter a new year, one in which technology promises to move faster than ever, it’s worth considering what our 23 problems might be. (Hilbert left one off his list, and others have created very different lists–there’s no right answer).
A personal list is a great place to start (because, after all, you’ve solved much of what confronted you a decade ago). Technology doesn’t have to be high-tech. It can simply be the hard work of finding generous solutions to important problems, big or small.
Our next steps might be far more effective than simple resolutions, which are easily ignored or pushed aside. We can work toward dignity, toward access, toward seeing the world as it is…
As citizens, creators and consumers, each of us can also propose a more global list. To get you started, here are some that come to mind for the next decades. Feel free to publish your own list, which is likely to be better informed and more nuanced, but here you go…
[This list seems ridiculous until you realize that in the last few generations, we created vaccines, antibiotics, smartphones, GPS and the Furby].
1. High efficiency, sustainable method for growing sufficient food, including market-shifting replacements for animals as food
2. High efficiency, renewable energy sources and useful batteries (cost, weight, efficiency)
3. Effective approaches to human trafficking
4. Carbon sequestration at scale
5. Breakthrough form for democracy in a digital age
6. Scalable, profitable, sustainable methods for small-scale creators of intellectual property
7. Replacement for the University
8. Useful methods for enhancing, scaling or replacing primary education, particularly literacy
9. Beneficial man/machine interface (post Xerox Parc)
10. Cost efficient housing at scale
11. Useful response to urban congestion
12. Gene therapies for obesity, cancer and chronic degenerative diseases
13. Dramatic leaps of AI interactions with humans
14. Alternatives to paid labor for most humans
15. Successful interactions with intelligent species off Earth
16. Self-cloning of organs for replacement
17. Cultural and nation-state conflict resolution and de-escalation
18. Dramatically new artistic methods for expression
19. Useful enhancements to intellect and mind for individuals
20. Shift in approach to end-of-life suffering and solutions for pain
21. Enhanced peer-to-peer communication technologies approaching the feeling of telepathy
22. Transmutation of matter to different elements and structures
23. Off-planet outposts
It’s going to get interesting. Especially if we can imagine it.
…
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The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 16-13 late Sunday afternoon and then watched the Baltimore Ravens beat the Cleveland Browns. 
The New Jersey Devils will be attempting to get their third straight win Monday afternoon when they host the Vancouver Canucks. 
Two teams heading in opposite directions collide when the Nashville Predators face the Washington Capitals in a New Year's Eve matinee Monday. 
The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, locked into third and last place in the NFC North, had nothing to play for in Sunday's game at Lambeau Field. 
Atlanta kicker Matt Bryant drilled a 37-yard field goal as time expired to give the Falcons a 34-32 road win over Dirk Koetter and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton didn't see any redeeming qualities in his team's regular-season finale against the Carolina Panthers. 
The New York Islanders have everything working right now as demonstrated by the 4-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night. 
The Phoenix Suns will ring out the old year with its third consecutive game against the cream of the Western Conference when the Golden State Warriors visit. 
Quarterback Dak Prescott led the Dallas Cowboys to a 36-35 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. 
An American doctor who was exposed to Ebola while treating patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo was transported to the United States to be monitored. 
The New England Patriots earned a 38-3 victory over the New York Jets to clinch a first-round bye in the postseason. 
Rookie quarterback Josh Allen threw for three touchdown passes and rushed for two more scores Sunday as the Buffalo Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins. 
Sen. Lindsey Graham said President Donald Trump agreed on Sunday to slow down plans to remove troops from Syria. 
The Houston Texans pushed their win total to 11-5 with their Week 17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. 
A lion was shot and killed Sunday after escaping a locked space and killing an employee at a North Carolina zoo. 
The Sacramento Kings face the Los Angeles Lakers without LeBron James again Sunday evening. 
California's largest utility could face criminal charges if found responsible for any of the deadly wildfires in the state during the past two years. 
If the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to reach the playoffs, they will be forced to do it without dynamic wide receiver Antonio Brown. 
