The industrial revolution freed us from backbreaking physical labor. Now the tech revolution is freeing us from repetitive mind labor.

Eventually, after we recognized and lessened the harms of the industrial revolution (child labor, practices injurious to workers, income inequality, etc.), our lives improved. More goods produced in less time translated to better salaries for shorter working hours. More young people finished high school. Many went on to higher education,

Problems of today’s tech revolution mirror those of the industrial revolution. Good jobs are disappearing. Income inequality is rising. Many of our schools are underfunded, unable to prepare students for the newer world.

Yet the benefits of the tech revolution could lead to improved lives like the industrial revolution eventually did, if we use the lessons learned from the older revolution.

The industrial revolution led us, eventually, to old age pensions and medicare and unemployment insurance. Those programs are some of the reasons the recession beginning in 2007, damaging as it was, did not turn into another Great Depression.

Extreme poverty alongside great wealth was a hallmark of the industrial revolution until the Great Depression of the 1930’s finally shocked us into changes. World War II, bringing together the different classes to defeat a recognized threat to our country, also helped.

Our economy took off after World War II. Much of it was the result, finally, of ordinary citizens sharing in the wealth resulting from the industrial revolution.

The tech revolution could lead to similar changes: Shorter work weeks. More time to care for family and friends and communities. More training for the next new job. A health system that serves all. Opportunity to think and pray and read poetry.

And more time to learn about the other cultures and ideas thrust on us by our digital connections. Indeed, the tech revolution could open up an era of constant learning, if we overcome our addiction to its toys.

As in the past, a more equal tax system can provide money to pay for these changes. Our wealthier citizens who have so benefitted by our new revolution could pay it forward.