Magic

If you're still not convinced that the technology that shapes and creates and constitutes your world is "magical"--meaning, breaking the discernible link between causes and effects--then I'll keep trying to convince you.

Today in class, we talked about Harry Potter, and my hypothesis that what made the books so stunningly successful was that the world of Hogwarts, and its particular magic, resonates so deeply with our lived experience in the early 21st century. In fact, the magic of Harry's world is often quaint or clunky by our standards.

One of the examples of Hogwarts' magic that was mentioned in class was "mind control." For comparison, check out this headline from today's New Scientist magazine, and then see if you agree that our devices are reshaping the world in ways we experience as magical.

The Mother of All Demos

Here's the now-famous demo of computer equipment that Douglas Engelbart gave in 1968. First computer mouse, first video conference, first hyperlinks, etc. You do not need to watch the whole thing.

"Printing Press" and moveable type

Since we're talking about books and printing, watch this good documentary about Gutenberg and his machine.

Pictograms