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The big change, the really radical change in…

“The big change, the really radical change in communication, was in the late 19th century. The shift from sailing ships to telegraph is astronomical. Everything since then has been small increments, including the internet.” quote by Noam Chomsky
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“The big change, the really radical change in communication, was in the late 19th century. The shift from sailing ships to telegraph is astronomical. Everything since then has been small increments, including the internet.”

Noam Chomsky

About This Quote

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

Highlights the 19th‑century shift from sail to telegraph as a massive leap, with later tech advances being incremental.

In simple terms: Early tech jumps were huge; later ones small.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the scale of past innovations.

Themes

technology history communication

Mood

analytical reflective

Type

educational historical

When to use this quote

  • educational talks
  • media studies
  • policy planning
  • strategic forecasting

Key Concepts

innovation diffusion incremental change technological impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • What current tech could be a future “telegraph”?
  • How do incremental changes shape society?
A Different Perspective

Modern tech may be over‑valued compared to past revolutions.

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