If we generally like the way things are now, we must also ask whether our current situation is really so different from the open ages of radio, film, or the telephone. Might it not also have seemed in those times that the orgy of limitless entrepreneurism would never end? The point is that we are near the high end of a pendulum arc that, so far, has aways begun to swing in the opposite direction -toward greater integration and centralization- with a force that can seem inexorable.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the cyclical nature of technological and entrepreneurial innovation, suggesting that current trends may also reverse.
Tim Wu's quote draws parallels between the present and historical technological breakthroughs, indicating that while current advancements may feel permanent, history shows that they often lead to periods of regression towards centralization. This cyclical pattern suggests that the extraordinary freedom and opportunity brought by innovation may eventually give way to a counter-movement that seeks greater structure and control.
In practice
In a speech about technology trends, this quote can illustrate the ebb and flow of innovation.
Well-meaning, helpful, good-natured attitudes of mind have not come to be honored on account of their usefulness, but because they are states of richer souls that are capable of bestowing and have their value in the feeling of the plenitude of life.
The true life is not reducible to words spoken or written, not by anyone, ever.
The theology of the average colored church is basing itself far too much upon Hell and Damnation-upon an attempt to scare people into being decent and threatening them with the terrors of death and punishment. We are still trained to believe a good deal that is simply childish in theology. The outward and visible punishment of every wrong deed that men do the repeated declaration that anything can be gotten by anyone at any time by prayer.
Nobody gets argued all the way into becoming a believer on the sheer basis of logic and reason. That requires a leap of faith.
The correct description is that we try every day to become more humble when we talk about divinity, we try to realize how little we know and how open minded we should be. It's self centered to think that human beings, as limited as we are, can describe divinity.
If anything is certain, it is that I myself am not a Marxist.
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