Accounts Quote by William Gibson
“We don't legislate emergent technologies into existence. We almost never do. They just emerge, dragged forth by Adam Smith's invisible hand. Then we have to see what people are actually going to do with them, and try to legislate to take account of that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing technology policy, 2015
Technologies develop naturally through market forces; legislation should respond after they appear, not create them.
In simple terms: Tech grows on its own; laws follow.
Key Takeaway
Adapt policy to real-world use.
Themes
technology
policy
economics
innovation
regulation
Mood
cautious
analytical
forward‑thinking
Type
advisory
policy
strategic
When to use this quote
- government regulation
- startup development
- AI deployment
- public safety
- market dynamics
Key Concepts
invisible hand
emergent tech
legislative timing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can lawmakers anticipate misuse without stifling growth?
- What mechanisms ensure timely regulation?
A Different Perspective
Legislation may lag behind rapid innovation, causing gaps.
