Great article. Balance is always a good idea regarding how far we go down the technological path. Corporations would love to sell us the newest and latest gadget and have a series of upgrades to follow. Some are useful and change how we live our lives, others change our lives - but with a caveat that renders us 'dependent' on this technology in order to have the basic necessities in life. And then there is AI which is very quickly entering the scene and already 'here' - which will further dis-empower in exchange for 'easier living'.
Yes, what is it to be human? I think we have just scratched the surface of this question and the more deeper question now is will technology replace what it is to be human without even knowing what we are capable of? Will it thwart ingenuity and creativity or even our ability to connect with each other in a raw and basic way? Music for example - digitally created music is a convenience and the result can sound like perfection but what of the unique and 'imperfect' non-digitally produced voice that cracks with emotion or is not entirely on perfect pitch that for some un-explainable reason we find moving.
The apple peeler is 'useful' as well as the other inventions - they make mass production easier for a society that has become a largely centralized-consumer based society. But I still appreciate hand-made and unique creations of my fellow human beings. Craftsman have been replaced by mass producing machines as well (society driven because they are cheaper and easier) But anyone can walk in an old building or house and see the difference compared to now - those little human details and creativity absent.
Will we become like the movie 'wall-e'? LOL I hope not. Balance.