And then they began to speak with tongues. And the multitude came together, and were confounded, because every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying how is it that we hear every man in our own tongue?

Technologically engendered instant translation will transform conversation, and hence our understanding of one another. A chip in the ear, and we will comprehend on the cheap, reducing transaction costs to collective decision making… a road map for open democracy within and between societies. 

And what will have been overcome? Babel? Perhaps even human nature itself?