Great video. Watch it!

(This is Prof. Ada Palmer @adapalmer)

@wackJackle Loving the part about Gutenberg going bankrupt and all the following ones.

Less of a fan of the conclusion* (but does she knows how to tell a story ! I was sucked right in, wow)

*Because I don't think its very interesting to argue on the unity of change on some technique branch (computers/the press) while it's always a continuum anyway so like, in the end, I felt "duh all this for that". But it was a nice journey anyway.

@otyugh You don't have to agree with someone has to say about a topic. You can still learn something about it.
@wackJackle Totally, that's why I also said I loved the part I loved ! (and learned !)

@otyugh @wackJackle I kind of agree with you, after watching I'm left with two feelings: that's a really interesting thesis, I like it; and: what now?

It seems there would be something to learn in this parallel she is making between those two information revolutions. But it is not obvious to me. The only thing that I can guess is that the current revolution we live in has probably not settled down and it will take another few decades at least.

1/2

@otyugh @wackJackle but this only conclusion seems kind of obvious when you look at the state of social media, the tech oligarchy and how they affect the world.

If you would know about any other resources from Palmer or other on the topic I would definitely be interested to know more!

2/2

@otyugh @wackJackle I found something to dig more into the topic: https://reactionwheel.net/2024/10/the-illusion-of-acceleration.html

After reading the article, it seems to be that this parallel between the printing press and the IT revolution is another example that could be use to support the thesis of the article.

The Illusion of Acceleration

Is the rate of adoption of new things getting faster and faster and if so, is this an exogenous feature of technology? I argue the rate of adoption is cyclical and, while fast today for some produc…

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