Automobile Quote by Noam Chomsky
“The change between horse and buggy to automobile is a big change and there hasn't been a major change since.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Media and Politics, Noam Chomsky, 1990
He notes the rapid shift from horse‑drawn transport to cars, then a long period of technological stagnation.
In simple terms: Major tech change, then long stability.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that breakthroughs can be followed by long plateaus.
Themes
technology
progress
history
stagnation
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
historical
observational
When to use this quote
- transportation
- urban planning
- policy making
- future tech forecasting
Key Concepts
innovation cycles
industrial revolution
social impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors cause tech plateaus?
- How can societies stimulate continued innovation?
A Different Perspective
Assumes no other sectors saw major changes.
![“I wrote an article about the marine landing [in Haiti] right away, but barely mentioned the oil, because my article would come out two months later and I assumed by then, "of course, everybody knows." Nobody knew. There was a news report in the Wall Street Journal, in the petroleum journals, and…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc5/noam-chomsky-42_articles_i-wrote-an-article-about-the-marine-land_13341.jpg)
