Mightier than the pen? (06 Dec 2001)

Usability Views Article Details

Mightier than the pen? (06 Dec 2001)
Despite its apparent simplicity, the pen could claim to be the most significant technology ever developed. In his book 'Things That Make Us Smart', Don Norman, a psychologist and computer scientist at the University of California in San Diego, argues that, without the invention of the pen, mankind would have found it impossible to develop mathematics, science and commerce. By committing their thoughts to clay, parchment and then paper, human beings were able to extend the capacity of their brains and to create a collective consciousness from which all could benefit.

Article URL: http://www.economist.com/science/tq/displayStory.cfm?story_id=885115

Read 37 more articles from Economist sorted by date, popularity, or title.

Next Article: The bathing ape has no clothes

This site is a labour of love built by Chris McEvoy