We don’t constrain our mental powers when we store new long-term memories. We strengthen them. With each expansion of our memory comes an enlargement of our intelligence. The Web provides a convenient and compelling supplement to personal memory - but when we start using the Web as a substitute for personal memory, by bypassing the inner processes of consolidation, we risk emptying our minds of their riches.
Interpretation
Our memories enhance our intelligence, but relying solely on outside resources can diminish our mental capabilities.
In this quote, Nicholas G. Carr emphasizes the importance of personal memory in enriching our intelligence. He warns that while the internet can assist our memory, over-reliance on it can weaken our cognitive abilities and diminish the depth of knowledge we hold within ourselves.
In practice
In a speech about education technology, one might quote Carr to emphasize the importance of developing personal memory.
What the Net does is shift the emphasis of our intelligence, away from what might be called a meditative or contemplative intelligence and more toward what might be called a utilitarian intelligence. The price of zipping among lots of bits of information is a loss of depth in our thinking.
Controversy is only dreaded by the advocates of error.
Your words are so powerful and precious. Learn to harness them, guide them and let them work for you.
Insights don't usually arrive at my desk, but go into notebooks when I'm on the move. Or half-asleep.
I tell my kids and I tell proteges, always have humility when you create and grace when you succeed, because it's not about you. You are a terminal for a higher power. As soon as you accept that, you can do it forever.
It's very important that people know that I really enjoy everything that has happened to me. And I tell my kids... you're not going to be the tallest, fastest, prettiest, the best track runner, but you can be the nicest human being that someone has ever met in their life. And I just want to leave that legacy that being nice is a true treasure.
The silence often of pure innocence persuades when speaking fails.
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