According to historians, when Socrates was introduced to new and questionable technology called "books," he was very sceptical. He criticized books because they could not adjust what they were saying, as a living person would, to what would be appropriate for certain listerners or specific times or places.
In addition, a book could not be interactive, as in a conversation between persons. And finally, Socrates pointed out that in a book the written words "seem to talk to you as if they were intelligent, but if you ask them anything about what they say, from a desire to be instructed, they go on telling you just the same thing forever."
Now, after two thousand years, a new kind of technology may be beginning to address some of Socrates' concerns. I wonder what Socrates would think about blogs?
Blogs can provide the kind of intelligent interaction Socrates found missing in books, that is, as long as blog authors and readers take advantage of the opportunities. I find that often readers don't take the time to respond and join the conversation. Why is that?
I also wonder if books will survive in a world that is increasingly online, digital, visual and auditory. Will we eventually get the screen versions, abridged and animated?
This information is from an interesting book by Thomas West, Thinking Like Einstein. I haven't read it yet, but am intrigued.
