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But like all power, there are those who want to keep it…

“But like all power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves. The world's entire scientific and cultural heritage, published over centuries in books and journals, is increasingly being digitized and locked up by a handful of private corporations. Want to read the papers featuring the…” quote by Aaron Swartz
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“But like all power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves. The world's entire scientific and cultural heritage, published over centuries in books and journals, is increasingly being digitized and locked up by a handful of private corporations. Want to read the papers featuring the most famous results of the sciences? You'll need to send enormous amounts to publishers like Reed Elsevier.”

Aaron Swartz

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The concentration of knowledge control in private hands limits public access and stifles progress.

In simple terms: Knowledge is being locked by corporations.

Key Takeaway

Support open access and public repositories.

Themes

access knowledge corporate power public domain

Mood

concerned determined

Type

activist policy

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education
  • policy making
  • activism
  • publishing

Key Concepts

Intellectual property digital rights information equity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can society balance creators' rights with public benefit?
  • What models ensure sustainable open publishing?
A Different Perspective

Open access faces funding and legal challenges.

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