Why does technology exist?

Technology exists because mankind has always sought to understand and find new ways to improve his own life and the life of others in some way. Probably the first major discovery was that of naturally occurring fires. The more adventurous type of early man experimented and discovered fire could be used to keep predators at bay, keep him warm (and for some reason made certain foods taste better). This in turn led on to the discovery of how to start a fire himself.

So, initially technology was primarily a survival aid. Once man had reached the point where he could survive well enough and have enough time left over to devote some of it to looking at ways to improve his life, then technology would have taken on a new lease of life. It became about more than just survival but also about understanding the world (and indeed the Universe) and improving every aspect of it that was considered important. So advances such as music (which has no notably useful benefit in regards to improving man's survival chances) became possible and culture progressed at a rapid rate.

Of course, the incentive for technology has not always been purely selfless. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Ever since early man grouped together into tribes there has been competition between them. Initially it would probably have been just for food, but that soon grew into competition for every available resource (and continues to this day).

We might not like to admit to it, but war and competition has spurred on the advance of mankind at a far faster rate than would have been possible without it. Whenever there is a pressing need to develop an edge over a rival mankind strives as hard as ever harder to do so. Consider how, but more importantly why, the atomic bomb was developed or how the American mission to the moon was achieved so quickly. Also consider how the space program has slowed dramatically now that America is not in direct competition with the Russians; as they were during the Cold War.

Another factor which ties in with the above, but is more on a personal scale, is the desire to gain an edge over others for financial gain. Competition in this sense, such as commercial businesses vying against one another, is another inexorable force that demands the drive of new and better technology.

Notes:

1. This is not intended to be exhaustive but should hopefully be used as an aid to your own reflection on this question.

2. The use of "man" and "mankind" above is, of course, not gender specific and should be taken to include both male and female.

Technology has always existed. nobody knows why.