Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Innovation to Revolution

So one of the things that I have noticed is that new innovations or inventions usually lead to some type of revolution in their own particular sphere. Take modern warfare for example. All tactics in war are dictated by the weapons being used in battle. Battle tactics in the 17th and 18th century usually consisted of two armies lining up and firing muskets at each other and then charging with bayonets. This tactic was drastically changed around the turn of the 20th century because of the development of much more accurate firearms and many other weapons. In the first World War trench warfare came about as a direct effect of these changes in technology.

Now to transition to modern times. The internet has created a revolution just as have all other great inventions in the past. The Gutenberg Press revolutionized Europe and the world. The invention of the cathoeray tube by Philo Farnsworth transformed the way Americans used their time. Were these revolutions, along with many others, right? I don't think that is really matters. The same goes with the internet. Is the internet and what it has caused to happen to other media, especially newspaper, good? I guess that is a matter of opinion. The point is that the internet is here and there is no going back. Once the nuke was invented their was no going back. We just have to learn to live with what we have. And if you don't like it, invent something better.

4 comments:

Krist Garcia said...

Who says we can't take things back? We can discover something and decide the consequences are unbearable, but it still exists even if just as an idea. So do you suggest that the only way to eradicate "bad" inventions is to create newer better ones?

Kevin said...

Love the video! It brings up some very good points about new inventions and change. When someone invents a "better" tool or method of doing things, it does sometimes leave some professions in the dust. This kind of change is where we, as humans, have to adapt. Which I think is the reason why this class is trying to adapt to the fact that the internet has revolutionized getting an education.

Margaret said...

I loved the video! It reminds me of the YouTube "Medieval helpdesk" where they learn about how to use a book instead of scrolls!

Autumn said...

the video rocks!

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