Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Next Age of Invention: Technology’s future is brighter than pessimists allow
City Journal ^ | Winter 2014 | Professor Joel Mokyr

Posted on 03/31/2014 8:46:44 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-26 last
To: 2ndDivisionVet

Sounds good except for one thing................socialism.


21 posted on 04/01/2014 11:25:07 AM PDT by PeterPrinciple
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Lurkina.n.Learnin

But they will occur in other countries. Why invent or even innovate when the government and lawyers control the market? They can and will take it all from you.


22 posted on 04/01/2014 11:32:39 AM PDT by Justa
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: discostu

We sent a man to the moon before computers (specifically PC’s) came on line. I performed many intricate engineering tasks with my slide rule. And now the computers are much more complex than what I need.

The biggest fallacy going around is that computers have enhanced brain power. That is such a lie. Computers are not one cent better than the people writing software codes.

Again the crux of my point is that my life has not changed significantly since 40 years ago. I had refrigerators, air conditioning, heating, washers and dryers, cars, dial-up phones, etc 40 years ago. Those items made real impact in my quality of life. PC’s, internet, smart phones...useful but not a big deal in my life.


23 posted on 04/01/2014 1:02:21 PM PDT by entropy12
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: entropy12

Because, due to automation, it only takes a fraction of the population to produce all the stuff the world needs to survive.


24 posted on 04/01/2014 1:06:35 PM PDT by Jack of all Trades (Hold your face to the light, even though for the moment you do not see.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: entropy12

A computer is as complex as you let it be. If you want to do simple stuff with it do simple stuff with it, most of the OSes out there will basically take care of themselves.

Nobody said anything about computers enhancing brain power. Computers are a force multiplier. At their base they do math faster than us, that’s why they were named after the first people who lost their jobs to them (some types companies used to keep people around to do math, like a secretarial pool but lower heels). Everything else we do with computers stems from that.

The problem is the crux of your point is self delusion. You are quite simply lying to yourself for the sake of curmudgeon. Your life HAS changed dramatically since 40 years ago, your very method of telling yourself this lie shows it. You had no PC to connect to a lack of internet 40 years ago to whine about how nothing has changed. If they’re so little a deal in your life walk away from them, out here in reality we knows it’s just complaining for the sake of hearing your keyboard strike. Your life has changed, and you know it, the only question is can you admit it. Apparently not, if might break your grump.


25 posted on 04/01/2014 1:09:43 PM PDT by discostu (Call it collect, call it direct, call it TODAY!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Lurkina.n.Learnin
If you think the last 30 years tech advances were amazing the next 30 is going to blow your mind.

Think 3-D printing for one. I believe it is the modern day equivalent of the Industrial Revolution. While that last wiped out cottage industries, I think it will come full circle and enable small industries, and perhaps individuals, to revitalize our economy.

26 posted on 04/01/2014 4:30:13 PM PDT by Oatka (This is America. Assimilate or evaporate.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-26 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson