Artifact Quote by William Gibson
“If you make something, it's an artifact. It's something that somebody or some corporate entity has caused to come into being. A great many human beings have thought about each of the artifacts that surround us. Different degrees of intelligence and attention have been brought to bear on anything.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Neuromancer by William Gibson, 1984
Artifacts are human‑created objects or systems, reflecting the creator’s intent and the context of their creation.
In simple terms: Things we make are artifacts shaped by who made them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the influence behind objects and ideas.
Themes
technology
creation
culture
philosophy
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- product design
- software development
- urban planning
- media analysis
Key Concepts
materialism
design theory
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about everyday objects?
- How does creator intent shape meaning?
A Different Perspective
Artifacts can be misinterpreted without understanding their origin.
