Century Quote by Lawrence Lessig
“While the creative works from the 16th century can still be accessed and used by others, the data in some software programs from the 1990s is already inaccessible.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Free Culture, Lawrence Lessig, 2004
Older software often uses obsolete formats, making data retrieval difficult despite legal access.
In simple terms: Old software can lock away data.
Key Takeaway
Preserve or migrate data before formats become obsolete.
Themes
digital preservation
accessibility
technology lifecycle
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
analytical
informative
When to use this quote
- archival work
- software maintenance
- legal compliance
- data migration
Key Concepts
format obsolescence
digital rights management
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we future‑proof digital formats?
- What policies ensure long‑term data accessibility?
A Different Perspective
Even with open access, technical barriers can prevent use.
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