Leave the Campsite Better Than You Found It: Lessons for a New Technological Age

I often hope that when my time on this planet comes to an end, I’ll leave it better than I found it. Simple actions like planting trees, choosing sustainable products, walking or biking when possible, and opting for public transportation have always felt like tangible ways to give back. It’s a mindset I learned early on, back when I was a Boy Scout, where one of the most important lessons we were taught was to always leave our campsite better than we found it.

The Scout’s Lesson

Back then, the rule was simple: take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints. And no one took that lesson more seriously than Strict Ernie, our semi-annoying, meticulous Scoutmaster. He was a soil scientist by trade and a stickler for detail, which meant every camping trip ended with a thorough inspection. We’d be all packed up and ready to go, only for Ernie to spot some tiny piece of litter—maybe a crumpled gum wrapper or a scrap of aluminum foil—holding up our departure until it was properly dealt with.

At the time, we were annoyed, shifting impatiently as he scoured the campsite, making sure everything met his standards. But looking back, I see how those moments of frustration were actually teaching us something important: how to be stewards of the world around us. Ernie wasn’t just obsessed with cleanliness; he was instilling in us the idea that we have a responsibility to leave every place—and now, I realize, every system—better than we found it.

Today, as I stand on the brink of an even bigger challenge—a technological age that’s reshaping everything from work to the environment—I find myself thinking about old Ernie and that same Boy Scout principle. This time, though, it’s not just about the natural world, but also about leaving behind a better technological and social ecosystem for future generations.

Navigating a Changing World

As kids, we faced changes whether we liked it or not. From learning cursive to figuring out long division, we adapted. Today, automation and AI are part of that same wave of transformation. We’re moving into an era where the nature of work and human contribution is being redefined.

Instead of focusing on what we might lose, it’s time to shift our gaze to what’s opening up. The future promises opportunities to work remotely, pilot drones, or operate robots in dangerous environments—all without ever risking human life. Imagine surveying endangered wildlife from the comfort of your home, feeling as if you’re flying over the forest through virtual reality glasses. This future, once distant, is rapidly approaching.

Redefining Work and Purpose

One of the biggest fears surrounding AI and automation is that work, as we know it, will disappear. But what if we look at this through a different lens? What if our value was no longer tied to productivity in the traditional sense? Instead of how many hours we clock in, what if our worth was tied to what we give back—to each other and to the planet?

This technological shift could free us up to explore creativity, learning, and play in ways we’ve long neglected. What if the time saved by automation allowed us to learn new skills, paint, play music, or spend more time in nature? It’s a chance to rediscover the joy of simply being human, a joy often sidelined by the pressures of productivity.

Learning to Be Like Children Again

As we grow older, we often forget the importance of play, of experimenting without worrying about perfection. Technology can give us the time and space to rediscover those lost parts of ourselves. Just like when I’d spend days in the woods as a Boy Scout, lashing together a tree fort or building a table out of fallen trees, the simple joy of creation returns when we allow ourselves that freedom.

What could the world look like if we embraced more play, creativity, and community? If we built lives around what brings us joy instead of what brings us money? The coming revolution offers us a chance to choose.

Conclusion: Leaving a Better World Behind

Just like those camping trips, where we made sure to leave no trace (and got Strict Ernie’s begrudging approval after finally locating that one rogue gum wrapper), this new technological age is offering us a chance to leave the world better than we found it. Not just environmentally, but socially, ethically, and creatively. It’s a time to care for our planet, to redefine how we work, and to make space for joy and connection.

So as the door closes on certain industries and ways of life, let’s not lament the end of something, but celebrate the beginning of something better. Let’s build a future where empathy, creativity, and connection are the metrics of success. Let’s leave behind a world that’s not just intact—but thriving.