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The information revolution has changed people's perception of wealth. We originally said that land was wealth. Then we thought it was industrial production. Now we realize it's intellectual capital. The market is showing us that intellectual capital is far more important that money. This is a major change in the way the world works. the same thing that happened to the farmers during the Industrial Revolution is now happening to people in industry as we move into the information age.
Walter Wriston
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the shift in the understanding of wealth from physical assets to intellectual capital in the information age.

Walter Wriston's quote emphasizes the transformative effect of the information revolution on our perception of wealth. It illustrates how society has evolved from valuing land and industrial production as primary sources of wealth, to recognizing the importance of intellectual capital as the most critical asset in today's world. This shift marks a significant change in economic dynamics, signaling a move from tangible to intangible value in the marketplace.

Themes

Information RevolutionWealthIntellectual CapitalChangeEconomy

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion on the future of work, this quote reminds professionals to invest in their knowledge and skills.

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Human capital will go where it is wanted, and it will stay where it is well treated. It cannot be driven; it can only be attracted.
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