Written by Robert B. Jennings and Narrated by Marie T. Russell
Once there was the Library of Alexandria, then the Gutenberg Press, and now the Internet. This is not to diminish the importance of other libraries throughout history or in any culture. Nor is it to diminish other publishing innovations. But suffice it to say these events were important turning points in the history of humanity.
I once wrote and was quoted, in the early days of the world wide web, that the internet was the equivalent of, or surpassed, the importance of the Gutenberg Press which democratized the written word by ushering in the spread of knowledge to the common man.
It is one thing to have access to a library or bookstore or TV. It is quite another to have much of the world's news, thoughts, musings, and academic works at the snap of my fingers or few touches on a keyboard.
The internet still works for me -- mostly because I learned in college many years ago to gather multiple books on a subject in order to look for truths and inaccuracies. And in life, I learned to be willing to change a "fact" when confronted with new information, and always question current beliefs.
What is increasingly obvious is the dark side that is engulfing the internet and is spreading inaccuracies, falsehoods and propaganda to an unsuspecting, busy, or lazy audience. Sometimes it's just human error. However, more often than not, it is nefarious motives by countries, groups, or individuals attempting to distort perceptions.
I firmly believe in the doctrine of good overcoming evil but have learned that...
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Related Book:
Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: Tight and Loose Cultures and the Secret Signals That Direct Our Lives
by Michele Gelfand
“A useful and engaging take on human behavior” (Kirkus Reviews) with an approach that is consistently riveting, Rule Makers, Ruler Breakers thrusts many of the puzzling attitudes and actions we observe into sudden and surprising clarity.
About the Author
Robert Jennings is co-publisher of InnerSelf.com with his wife Marie T Russell. He attended the University of Florida, Southern Technical Institute, and the University of Central Florida with studies in real estate, urban development, finance, architectural engineering, and elementary education. He was a member of the US Marine Corps and The US Army having commanded a field artillery battery in Germany. He worked in real estate finance, construction and development for 25 years before starting InnerSelf.com in 1996.
InnerSelf is dedicated to sharing information that allows people to make educated and insightful choices in their personal life, for the good of the commons, and for the well-being of the planet. InnerSelf Magazine is in its 30+year of publication in either print (1984-1995) or online as InnerSelf.com. Please support our work.
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