Why Is Human Nature the Only Constant in a Rapidly Changing World?
We spend a lot of time talking about change. At conferences, in boardrooms, on stages we hear about how generative AI, mobile tech, the cloud, and digital transformation are reshaping our world at breakneck speed. And yes, the pace is dizzying.
But here's the thing: while the world around us is changing rapidly, human nature isn’t.
That’s the contradiction I find most fascinating. We obsess over innovation, but we often forget to zoom out and ask, What hasn’t changed?
The Constant Drivers of Human Behavior
Over the last 200,000 years, our core motivations have stayed remarkably stable. We’re still driven by the same things:
Our love for stories
A desire for status
The need for safety and security
And ever-growing expectations for convenience, intimacy, delight, and surprise
We haven’t changed. What has changed is the complexity of meeting these timeless needs.
A Simple Example: Inflight Entertainment
Think about how inflight entertainment has evolved. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, we were happy to get one movie on a tiny shared screen every few rows. Fast forward to today, and we expect:
Personal screens with touch controls.
Access to an entire library of Oscar-nominated movies, shows, games and more.
Tablets, Wi-Fi, and streaming content on demand.
And yet, even with this abundance of options, many of us still find ourselves scrolling endlessly, unable to decide what to watch. This example illustrates how baseline expectations rise with technological progress that once felt luxurious now feels ordinary.
The Escalating Baseline of Expectations
We now live in a world where we can order food, call a ride, or buy a product with a tap on our phone with no human interaction required. It’s frictionless, fast, and seamless. But with this convenience comes a shift in social norms.
Consider this:
A knock on the door, once a neutral gesture, can now trigger suspicion.
An unexpected phone call might feel intrusive, compared to a quick text or email.
It’s not just about convenience; it’s about how our relationship with human interaction has changed in a hyper-digital world.
Balancing Innovation and Human Nature
In the rush to embrace radical change, we often overlook what stays constant: the timeless drivers of human behavior. Successful innovation isn’t just about new tech. It’s about blending innovation with ageless human needs, creating experiences that resonate deeply and meaningfully.
The Real Challenge: Meeting Unchanging Needs in a Complex Landscape
Despite all this change, the human core remains the same. The more I think about it, the more I believe this is the real challenge for innovators:
How do we build for the future without losing sight of the past?
How do we innovate in ways that still honor the emotional, psychological, and social needs that haven’t changed?
Technology gives us new tools, but it also raises the bar.
Consumers expect seamless, emotionally satisfying experiences.
Companies must innovate relentlessly while staying grounded in timeless human truths.
Yes, we need to adopt AI. Yes, we need to experiment with the next wave of tech. But if we forget that humans are still humans messy, emotional, story-loving creatures we miss the mark.
Because lasting innovation isn’t just about new features. It’s about resonance. It’s about understanding the constants of our need for connection, for delight, for trust and designing with those in mind.
Final Thoughts: Build with Humanity at the Core
I’m constantly reminding myself and others: Don’t just chase what's changing. Anchor yourself in what stays the same.
If you want to build something that lasts, start with timeless human truths. Then, layer on technology to amplify not replace them.
The most impactful innovations don’t just surprise us with what they can do. They satisfy us by meeting the needs we’ve always had.
Because in the end, no matter how much the world changes, what people truly want remains the same.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.