Leverage
I’m reading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. This is not a book review; I just want to comment on one thing that resonated for me. In the discussion of Apple’s famous 1984 ad, Isaacson says this.
Many young people, especially those in the counterculture, had viewed computers as instruments that could be used by Orwellian governments and giant corporations to sap individuality. But by the end of the 1970s, they were also being seen as potential tools for personal empowerment.
So which has computing, and now the Internet, turned out to be. The obvious answer is that it’s turned out to be both. Computing, and the internet, and nearly any technology affords a form of leverage. Those motivated to do evil can use tools to do more evil faster while those motivated to do good can use tools to do more good faster.
I could now go on about the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, censorship in China and other places, and many other things. For one time, I will curb my natural tendency to rattle on and just leave well enough alone.
© Charlie Wertz, January 2012
The idea the net can be a tool and a social link with origins in minds over matter, is kewl.
A duel tool, with the usual spouting of “they are watching us all” for the thrill of paranoia matched with over active imaginations. Logic and reason still work to help keep our minds free.
Enjoy your writing Charlie. Are you on twitter?
No, Steve, I’ve yet to twitter. I have trouble saying anything that seems meaningful in a one liner.
This reminds me of a related Steve Jobs quote, which I will paraphrase: “A computer is like a bicycle for the mind.” In other words, computers allow us to do things with our brains at a scale that would be otherwise impossible.