Born Quote by Alan Kay
““Technology is anything invented after you were born.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Xerox PARC, 1970s (quoted in many tech histories)
Highlights that technology is relative to one’s birth era, implying that what is “new” today will become ordinary tomorrow.
In simple terms: Tech is what’s new when you’re born.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fleeting nature of novelty.
Themes
innovation
temporal perspective
humility
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
technical
historical
When to use this quote
- product development
- career planning
- learning new tools
Key Concepts
technology studies
history of computing
culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay relevant as tech evolves?
- What timeless principles underlie new inventions?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on novelty can ignore lasting fundamentals.
