Google’s 25th Anniversary — A Reflection from CEO Sundar Pichai

As Google commemorates its 25th birthday, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, shared a reflective blog post titled “Questions, Shrugs, and What Comes Next: A Quarter Century of Change,” celebrating the incredible journey of one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Pichai’s reflections provide an inspiring perspective on how technology has shaped not only our present but also the future we are on the cusp of creating.

The Beginnings of a Digital Revolution

Reflecting on the origins of Google and the technological breakthroughs that led to its creation, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, offers an insightful glimpse into the profound impact of communication evolution. In a thoughtful blog post, Pichai delves into his own personal journey and experiences that shaped his view of technology and the world. This reflection brings us back to his childhood years in India, a time when the digital age was still emerging and technology, as we know it today, was far from being ubiquitous.

In a striking narrative that highlights the power of technology to change lives, Pichai recalls a pivotal moment in his life when his father, in India, got his first email address. At the time, internet access was limited, and the world was just beginning to experience the internet revolution. For many, the idea of sending an email and receiving a response from the other side of the world seemed futuristic. This was especially true for Pichai’s family, who had yet to experience the power and convenience of digital communication. As a young man studying in the U.S., Pichai was thrilled by the idea of communicating with his father using email—a breakthrough in technology that could bridge vast distances almost instantaneously. It was an exciting time; it seemed like a new era of connectivity was dawning.

The eagerness with which Pichai sent his very first email to his father, waiting for a reply, reflected the sense of novelty surrounding this form of communication. Back then, the concept of sending an email was not just a technological innovation—it was an experience that made people feel like they were part of something extraordinary. For Pichai, it was an opportunity to connect with his father, faster and cheaper than ever before. But when his father’s reply finally arrived after what felt like an excruciating wait of two days, the response was nothing like Pichai had anticipated. It wasn’t the instant gratification of a quick response. Instead, it was formal, and, much to Pichai’s surprise, it explained the immense delays involved in delivering his email.

In his blog, Pichai humorously recalls his father’s explanation: he had to wait for someone at his workplace to retrieve the email from the office computer, print it out, and manually deliver it to him. Once his father received the printed version, he dictated his response, which was then typed up and sent back to Pichai. The entire process seemed utterly foreign to Pichai, who was already used to the idea of emails being sent and received in real-time. The simple act of sending an email, which seemed effortless to him, was, for his father, a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. The contrast between their two worlds—the world of email as a new, fast, and efficient way to communicate for Pichai, and the world of email as an impersonal, delayed, and convoluted process for his father—was striking.

For Pichai, this experience was a reminder of the stages that every major technological advancement goes through. When new technology is first introduced, it often feels remarkable and exciting because it challenges the traditional ways of doing things. Yet, as that technology becomes more ingrained in society, it gradually shifts from extraordinary to ordinary. What was once a source of excitement becomes a tool that people take for granted, seamlessly incorporated into daily life. This is exactly what happened with email. What was once a groundbreaking means of communication became a mundane, everyday tool that everyone now uses without thinking twice.

Pichai’s personal story serves as a metaphor for the broader shifts in the technological landscape. It underscores the idea that every major advancement in technology eventually becomes integrated into the fabric of everyday life, so much so that future generations will look at it with a sense of nonchalance. The excitement surrounding new technology can eventually fade as it becomes a natural part of the world around us. This is a cycle that repeats itself with every innovation.

From Novelty to Necessity

The shift in perspective—from excitement to indifference—has been a defining feature of the digital revolution. What once seemed extraordinary becomes something that society can’t imagine living without. Email, for example, was once viewed as a revolutionary concept, one that would change how the world communicates. Fast-forward to today, and it’s almost impossible to imagine functioning in the modern world without email. This same process is happening with other technologies as well. Social media, smartphones, and cloud computing were once groundbreaking developments, but now they are indispensable components of everyday life. These innovations that once sparked awe have now been seamlessly woven into the fabric of modern society.

Pichai also reflects on how quickly technological advancements become integrated into our lives, making it easy to forget just how recent many of these developments are. His father’s experience with email is a perfect example of how new technologies can initially be difficult to grasp, requiring time to adjust and adapt. But once people understand how to use them, they become second nature. This rapid evolution is a testament to the resilience of human ingenuity and the constant drive for improvement. What once took days or weeks to accomplish now happens in seconds.

As technology advances, so too does the speed at which we communicate, access information, and share ideas. This is evident in the way email has evolved from a novelty to an everyday tool, and how mobile phones, once used solely for communication, are now essential hubs for everything from entertainment to banking to shopping. Technology continuously pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, and each new development gradually shifts from being a remarkable achievement to a necessary component of modern life.

The Changing Landscape of Communication

The story Pichai shares offers a fascinating look at how communication technology has evolved over just a few decades. Today, many of the devices and tools that we use to communicate—such as smartphones, social media platforms, and instant messaging apps—are second nature to younger generations. Pichai’s son, who was born into a world where these technologies already exist, doesn’t experience the same sense of awe and excitement that Pichai did when he first used email. For his son, snapping a picture and instantly sharing it with friends is a routine part of daily life.

This shift in perspective underscores how rapidly the world of communication is evolving. What was once considered cutting-edge is now seen as a basic expectation. The advancements in communication technologies have drastically transformed the way people interact with one another, leading to a society where instant access to information and communication is the norm. Pichai’s story about his father’s email experience and his son’s ease with modern communication illustrates this dramatic shift, showing how new technologies quickly move from extraordinary to ordinary.

The Digital Evolution Continues

Pichai’s reflections on the past and present also serve as a reminder of how far technology has come and where it might be headed next. The innovations that once seemed impossible are now commonplace, and the pace of technological progress is only accelerating. As we look to the future, it’s clear that we are just beginning to scratch the surface of what technology can achieve. Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies hold the potential to reshape the world in ways we can’t yet fully comprehend.

Pichai’s personal journey, from sending his first email to witnessing the ease with which his son communicates today, provides a window into the transformative power of technology. As these advancements continue to unfold, they will undoubtedly change the way we live, work, and connect with others, just as email once revolutionized the way we communicate. And while the excitement surrounding these innovations may eventually fade, their impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

The Speed of Technological Evolution

Sundar Pichai’s reflections on the rapid evolution of technology are both a testament to the progress made over the years and a recognition of how drastically the world of communication has changed. He opens his narrative by recalling the early days when email was a groundbreaking tool that allowed individuals to bridge vast distances almost instantaneously. His father’s experience, which involved waiting days for an email response, offers a sharp contrast to today’s world, where communication is almost immediate, thanks to advancements in mobile devices, cloud platforms, and artificial intelligence.

Today, the digital landscape is filled with tools and technologies that have radically transformed how people interact, connect, and communicate. These innovations have not only redefined communication but have also reshaped how society functions at its core. Pichai’s story sets the stage for a broader reflection on how quickly technology evolves, and how the speed of these advancements often outpaces our ability to fully absorb their impact. This is especially true when considering how younger generations engage with the digital world compared to the previous ones.

The advances in mobile technology, for instance, have been staggering. What once seemed like science fiction—being able to communicate with others instantly, access endless information, or even navigate the world using just a few taps on a screen—has become second nature for today’s children. Unlike the earlier generation, who had to rely on computers that were stationary and disconnected from real-time communication, today’s youth are growing up in an environment where technology is always on, always connected, and almost always within arm’s reach.

Pichai highlights this shift in a personal anecdote about his son’s effortless interaction with technology. Unlike his own childhood, where technology required a degree of learning and effort, Pichai’s teenage son navigates the digital world with a casual ease that seems almost innate. With just a smartphone in his hand, his son can snap pictures, share them with friends across the globe, exchange messages, and stay connected in real-time—all within seconds. For today’s generation, this ability to interact with multiple devices, platforms, and apps seamlessly has become an inherent part of their daily routine. The idea of waiting for a letter or even waiting two days for an email reply is foreign to them. For them, instant communication is the norm, not the exception.

This digital-first world, where entertainment, education, and personal connection happen almost at the speed of light, is a far cry from the world Pichai grew up in. In his youth, accessing information required patience—whether it was waiting for a slow dial-up internet connection or waiting for days for a response. Fast forward to today, and those barriers have been erased, giving way to a fast-paced, hyper-connected global society. This shift in how technology is perceived is not just about how fast communication happens; it’s also about how technology has seamlessly integrated into every aspect of daily life.

As Pichai points out, for younger generations, technology is not just a tool but a part of their identity. It is so deeply ingrained in their daily routines that they can hardly imagine a world without it. Today’s children have never known a time without smartphones, social media, or on-demand entertainment. For them, the act of sharing a photo or sending a message is not a novelty but a fundamental, everyday activity. In contrast, older generations had to learn to navigate these tools, often with a sense of wonder and awe at their capabilities. Younger generations, however, are so accustomed to these tools that they don’t even think twice about the technology they interact with daily.

This dramatic shift in perspective also illustrates how quickly technology has evolved. In the span of just a few decades, the tools we use to communicate, learn, and entertain ourselves have transformed beyond recognition. The internet itself—once a vast, mysterious network that few could comprehend—has now become an integral part of nearly every facet of life. From social media platforms that allow for instant connections with people around the world, to cloud-based services that store and access information at the click of a button, technology has rapidly changed the way we interact with the world and each other. What was once futuristic has quickly become ordinary, an expectation rather than a surprise.

But while younger generations may take these technological advancements for granted, it’s important to recognize that they are standing on the shoulders of those who laid the groundwork. The early pioneers of the digital age, those who created the first email systems, developed the first mobile phones, and built the early versions of the internet, never imagined the interconnected world we live in today. Pichai’s father’s experience with email is a testament to how far we’ve come—and how quickly things change. What was once a marvel—a simple email exchanged across continents—has now been eclipsed by technologies that allow for real-time video communication, instant messaging, and global collaboration with the touch of a button. It’s a humbling reminder of how far we’ve come in such a short time.

Yet, the speed at which technology evolves also presents its own set of challenges. The pace of change is so rapid that it can often feel overwhelming, and it raises important questions about the future. As we continue to create new technologies, how will they reshape society? What ethical implications will these advancements have on privacy, security, and individual freedoms? And perhaps most importantly, how do we ensure that these technologies are used to improve lives and not exacerbate existing inequalities?

For Pichai, however, this fast pace of innovation is something to be celebrated. He takes comfort in the fact that today’s generation is not only able to embrace technology but is also using it to create new possibilities for the future. The ability to seamlessly interact with technology gives today’s youth the tools they need to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s through the development of artificial intelligence, breakthroughs in healthcare, or new solutions to climate change, the young people of today are poised to push the boundaries of what’s possible. As Pichai reflects, the innovations that once seemed impossible—like self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, or even virtual reality—are now being actively developed, tested, and implemented. What seemed like fantasy just a few decades ago is now on the verge of becoming reality.

Moreover, Pichai’s son’s casual approach to technology underscores an important point: technology, when used to its fullest potential, should enhance the human experience rather than overwhelm it. The ease with which today’s youth navigate the digital world is a reminder that technology should be designed to integrate seamlessly into our lives, helping us solve problems and create new opportunities, rather than creating unnecessary barriers. As we continue to evolve as a digital society, the challenge will be to ensure that technological advancements serve the greater good and are accessible to all, regardless of their background or geographic location.

A Digital World of Tomorrow

As Pichai continues to reflect on the speed of technological evolution, he expresses his excitement for the future. The digital age is still in its infancy, and the next 25 years promise to be just as transformative as the first. The tools that today’s youth are using with such ease will undoubtedly evolve into something even more advanced and integrated into every aspect of daily life. As we move into the next phase of the digital revolution, it’s clear that the potential for innovation is limitless.

The speed at which technology is evolving today should serve as a reminder to all of us that we must be adaptable, open-minded, and forward-thinking. With each new advancement, we come closer to unlocking solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. And as Pichai so rightly puts it, today’s children—who shrug at the innovations that once seemed extraordinary—will be the ones to build the next great technological leap.

The Shrugging Generation

One of the most fascinating aspects of technological evolution, as discussed by Sundar Pichai, is the generational shift in how younger generations interact with technology. What once seemed revolutionary and extraordinary is now met with a casual shrug by today’s youth. This shift is more than just an indication of technological progress; it is a reflection of how rapidly innovation has become embedded into the fabric of daily life. The innovations that Pichai once marveled at in his own youth—such as receiving phone calls on a wristwatch or commanding a car to play music with just a voice command—are now commonplace. To younger generations, these advances are seen not as groundbreaking accomplishments but as standard features that they expect to be integrated into their lives without a second thought.

For Pichai, this casual indifference from his son’s generation is both a source of wonder and pride. The technology that once sparked awe in older generations—such as the ability to take a call on a wristwatch or speak to a car to control its music system—has become so commonplace that it no longer elicits a sense of surprise or excitement. What was once cutting-edge is now part of the everyday fabric of life. For young people today, interacting with technology is second nature. It’s an inherent part of their daily routine, seamlessly integrated into their personal and social lives. To them, a voice-activated car or a smartwatch is simply another tool, just as normal as a television or a computer would be for earlier generations.

This shift in perspective is not an indication of disinterest or apathy, as one might initially assume. Rather, it is a powerful sign of how much technology has progressed. The “shrug” that Pichai observes among today’s youth is more than just a casual reaction; it represents their complete comfort and ease with the technologies that have changed the world. What was once perceived as cutting-edge and futuristic is now part of their daily reality. And as these innovations become so deeply embedded into daily routines, it becomes clear that the way we view technology is fundamentally different from the way previous generations experienced it.

Pichai uses this shift to point out that these casual shrugs are actually an exciting harbinger of the next wave of technological progress. For today’s youth, the technology they use is no longer seen as a marvel to be admired but as an expectation—a baseline for the way the world should function. This shift in perspective is not just a passing trend; it represents a fundamental change in how we interact with and perceive technology. The younger generation has grown up in a world that is always connected, where digital tools are just as important and ubiquitous as the physical tools used to build the world. This generation’s understanding of technology is more intuitive, and its integration into their lives is so seamless that it’s almost invisible.

The shrugging response is a reflection of this ease with which new technologies are adopted. It signals that today’s youth are not just passive users of technology but active participants in a world where the digital and physical worlds are deeply intertwined. The rapid pace of technological evolution has made it so that what once seemed remarkable is now simply expected. What was once considered futuristic is now taken for granted, and the very nature of this evolution is what makes the future seem so promising.

The End of the “Novelty” Phase

The casual response to technology is not just a reflection of youth’s familiarity with tech; it also speaks to a larger cultural shift that has occurred over the past few decades. In the early days of computing and communication technology, innovations like email, the internet, and mobile phones were seen as monumental breakthroughs. People marveled at the idea of being able to instantly connect with someone halfway around the world. The introduction of the smartphone, for example, revolutionized not just communication but how people interacted with technology in their everyday lives. It was an era of excitement and discovery, where each new app, device, or platform felt like a magical leap forward in human progress.

Fast forward to today, and the excitement around these once-revolutionary technologies has waned. Email, smartphones, and even social media platforms—once considered groundbreaking—are now seen as ordinary, everyday tools. They have become such an integral part of the fabric of daily life that their novelty has faded. For young people, texting, sharing photos, or using apps to book travel or buy groceries is not an extraordinary feat but simply the way the world works.

This shift is not limited to communication technologies. It extends to nearly every facet of life, from entertainment and transportation to education and work. Innovations like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles—once thought of as the stuff of science fiction—are beginning to enter the mainstream. Yet, even these advancements, which are still in their infancy, are already becoming more normalized. What was once met with awe is now something young people expect to be a natural part of their world.

Anticipating the Next Big Thing

What makes this casual response to technology so interesting is that it’s not an expression of disinterest; rather, it reflects an inherent anticipation of what’s next. The shrug, in Pichai’s words, symbolizes both comfort with what exists and a sense of excitement for what is yet to come. The technology that is now so deeply integrated into our daily routines will soon fade into the background, as new innovations take center stage.

Pichai sees this as an encouraging sign. The shrug is an indicator that the current generation is poised for even more advanced and sophisticated technological breakthroughs. What was once groundbreaking—like the smartphone or voice-activated assistants—will soon be overshadowed by the next wave of innovations. This constant push for progress and the seamless integration of new technologies into everyday life signals a future that will continue to evolve at an exponential rate.

As technology continues to evolve, Pichai believes that the digital tools we rely on today will eventually become invisible—woven so thoroughly into the fabric of our daily lives that we no longer notice their presence. Much like electricity or running water, technology will become an invisible enabler, quietly supporting the systems and structures we rely on without requiring constant attention or admiration. In this future, technological advances won’t just be incremental—they will be transformative in ways we cannot yet fully imagine.

The Future of Innovation: The Shrug as a Beacon of Hope

Pichai’s reflections on the shrugging generation offer more than just an observation on the changing landscape of technology. They serve as a reminder that innovation is a never-ending process. As each new generation grows up with new tools, new expectations, and new ways of engaging with the world, they set the stage for even greater leaps in human progress. Today’s youth will go on to create the technologies that will shape the world of tomorrow, just as the generation before them did with the internet, smartphones, and social media.

The “shrug” of today’s youth is a powerful signal that they are ready for whatever comes next. It’s a sign that they are prepared to take the innovations of today and use them as stepping stones for even greater achievements in the future. The shrug represents both a recognition of the world-changing technologies that exist today and a sense of excitement for the innovations that are yet to come.

In the end, Pichai’s insights remind us that while we may be living in a world where the digital tools we once admired are now taken for granted, there is always room for new ideas, new inventions, and new ways of connecting. The shrug is not the end of progress but the beginning of the next great technological leap.

Optimism for the Future

Sundar Pichai’s reflections on the technological shifts shaping society today are not only insightful but also filled with a deep sense of optimism. As he observes the generational shifts in how technology is perceived and used, he finds hope in the very “shrug” that younger generations exhibit in response to innovations that once seemed extraordinary. This shrug, rather than being a sign of complacency or apathy, represents a profound level of comfort with technology and the expectation that the future will bring even more remarkable advancements.

For Pichai, the fact that younger generations take today’s technological advancements for granted signals a major milestone in the evolution of both society and innovation. The world has changed at an incredible pace, and what was once considered groundbreaking is now simply a standard part of daily life. When older generations first experienced innovations like email, the internet, and smartphones, they were met with awe and excitement, recognizing these breakthroughs as steps toward a new era. But for today’s youth, these technologies are so integrated into their lives that they no longer hold the same level of novelty.

It’s this shift that Pichai finds so encouraging. The current generation is not only equipped with the tools that were once the stuff of dreams but also possesses the mindset and capabilities to build on them. Young people today are not just passive consumers of technology but active creators and innovators. Their ease with the tools that have transformed society positions them uniquely to push the boundaries of what’s possible. They are already working with technologies that were once unimaginable, and this familiarity allows them to envision and create the next wave of innovations that will shape the world in ways we can only begin to comprehend.

Pichai’s optimism stems from the belief that technology will continue to evolve, and that the younger generation, growing up with these tools, will build upon the foundations laid by those before them. As he points out, the very fact that today’s children can so casually interact with technology that once amazed older generations is an indication that they are ready to create even more transformative advancements. Their comfort with the current digital tools—from artificial intelligence and machine learning to virtual reality and blockchain—gives them the confidence and capability to innovate in ways that we may not yet fully grasp.

The key to this optimism lies in the idea that the next generation will not merely replicate the innovations of the past but will push them forward. The tools and technologies that seem commonplace today will serve as a springboard for even greater breakthroughs. The question is no longer whether technology will continue to evolve, but how it will shape the future. Pichai believes that today’s young innovators will create technologies that we can’t yet imagine, just as previous generations did when they introduced the internet, mobile phones, and computers.

A Generation Poised for Groundbreaking Innovation

What makes Pichai’s outlook so compelling is the recognition that the future of innovation is already in motion. The youth of today are not waiting for the next big idea to be handed to them—they are actively participating in its creation. This is a generation that has grown up in a digital-first world, where information, entertainment, and communication happen at the speed of light. They have never known a world without the internet, smartphones, or social media. These technologies are as much a part of their identity as the air they breathe.

This deep integration of technology into daily life has shaped the way young people think, learn, and create. They are accustomed to accessing vast amounts of information at their fingertips, connecting with people from all corners of the world in real-time, and collaborating on projects through digital platforms. In many ways, this constant connectivity has fostered a global community where ideas can be shared, tested, and refined faster than ever before. The result is a generation that is not just technologically savvy but also highly creative and resourceful, capable of using technology to solve real-world problems in innovative ways.

Pichai also notes that the current generation’s familiarity with these tools doesn’t just make them users of technology—it makes them creators. With the power of advanced computing, machine learning algorithms, and cloud-based platforms, today’s youth have the tools to build solutions that can solve complex global challenges. Whether it’s tackling climate change, advancing healthcare, improving education, or creating new forms of entertainment, the possibilities are endless. The youth of today are not just content with using existing technologies—they are actively shaping the future of those technologies, designing new systems, and solving problems that were previously unimaginable.

This generation is not afraid to dream big. They have seen firsthand the impact that technology can have on the world, and they are eager to contribute their own ideas and solutions. They understand that the tools they are using today are not the final destination, but rather the starting point for an even more advanced and connected future. In this way, the “shrug” that Pichai describes is not an expression of disinterest but rather a reflection of the growing expectations young people have for what the future holds. They are already thinking beyond what is possible today, imagining new realities and technologies that will take humanity to new heights.

A Cycle of Innovation: Building on Past Achievements

The rapid pace of technological progress means that today’s advancements quickly become the foundation for the next wave of innovation. Pichai’s reflections emphasize that the technological breakthroughs of today will soon be integrated into the everyday life of tomorrow, just as the internet and smartphones are now. This constant cycle of innovation is what makes technology so exciting—it is a never-ending process of creation, refinement, and disruption.

Each generation builds on the achievements of the one before it, creating a cycle of continuous progress. What was once seen as groundbreaking—such as email, mobile phones, and personal computers—has now become foundational. The tools that were revolutionary in their time are now simply the stepping stones for the next generation’s innovations. Pichai highlights this progression as a reminder that the future of technology is not about waiting for new ideas to appear; it’s about using the tools we have today to create the innovations of tomorrow.

This cycle of innovation has far-reaching implications, not only for the technology industry but for society as a whole. As each new generation brings its own ideas and innovations to the table, the world becomes a more interconnected, efficient, and sustainable place. The advancements made today are the foundation for solving the challenges of tomorrow, whether that’s improving healthcare outcomes through personalized medicine, revolutionizing transportation with autonomous vehicles, or addressing global environmental challenges with green technologies.

The Shrug as a Sign of Progress

Pichai’s optimism is rooted in the belief that technology will continue to evolve in ways that will benefit humanity. The casual indifference with which younger generations view current technologies is not a sign of complacency, but rather a reflection of how deeply integrated these technologies are into their lives. As Pichai suggests, the shrug is both a sign of comfort with what exists and a signal of anticipation for what comes next. It’s a reminder that technology is always evolving, and the next big idea is always just around the corner.

The youth of today will one day look back at the world we live in today and view it in the same way we view the past—an era of great progress and innovation, but one that has paved the way for even greater advancements. The tools that seem extraordinary to us now will soon become part of the everyday landscape, replaced by new ideas that we can’t yet imagine. The future, as Pichai so optimistically points out, is full of endless possibilities, and the next generation is already prepared to take the reins and lead the way.

The Vision Ahead

For Google, this 25th anniversary is not just about celebrating the past—it’s about looking forward to the future. Pichai makes it clear that while Google has already had an immense impact on the world, the best is yet to come. With advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing, the next 25 years promise to be just as transformative as the first. Pichai expresses his eagerness to see what the next generation will create, and how the innovations of today will be integrated into tomorrow’s world.

As Pichai looks forward to what’s next, he emphasizes that the technological journey is only just beginning. The question is not if new breakthroughs will occur but how they will shape the future. Google, with its ongoing commitment to innovation, will continue to play a central role in this journey. From enhancing the capabilities of AI to creating new tools for healthcare, education, and sustainability, the potential for future impact is limitless.

Celebrating 25 Years of Google: What’s Next?

As Google celebrates this milestone, Pichai reflects on the company’s mission: to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Google’s vision has expanded over the years, from search and advertising to AI, autonomous driving, and cloud computing. Yet, the company’s core commitment to making information accessible to all remains unchanged.

In conclusion, as Google turns 25, it is clear that the company’s journey is far from over. With its dedication to innovation, its global reach, and its unwavering focus on solving the world’s most pressing challenges, Google is well-positioned to continue shaping the future. And as Pichai so optimistically notes, the next generation of innovators is already poised to carry the torch forward—creating the technologies and solutions that will shape the next 25 years.

“Those shrugs give me great hope for the future. They set a high bar for what the next generation will build and invent… and I can’t wait to see what will make their children shrug, too.”

Happy 25th birthday, Google!