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No End To The Magic

I've been reading Seth Godin's blog for years and for all that time it has never been less than an astute, insightful and intelligent read. But for once I think he's got it completely wrong.

In today's post ('An End Of Magic') he references the old Arthur C Clarke quote: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”, suggesting that with so many posibilities being realised by technology in recent years, the word 'sufficiently' is being stretched. He writes:

"…one reason for our ennui as technology hounds is that we’re missing the feeling that was delivered to us daily for a decade or more. It’s not that there’s no new technology to come (there is, certainly). It’s that many of us can already imagine it."

I don't feel any ennui. I don't miss that feeling. I am continually surprised, delighted and enchanted by new technologies, not least because (as Maria Popova put it) we live in the golden age of serendipity. I don't see an end to the magic. Sorry Seth, but I think you're wrong.

10 responses to “No End To The Magic”

  1. John Avatar
    John

    Magic is much much more than surprising, delightful or enchanting. It’s very very rare.

  2. John Avatar
    John

    Magic is much much more than surprising, delightful or enchanting. It’s very very rare.

  3. Charles Frith Avatar
    Charles Frith

    Arthur knew more than he was letting on. I think we’re in for a flurry of magic surprises in the next few years.

  4. Charles Frith Avatar
    Charles Frith

    Arthur knew more than he was letting on. I think we’re in for a flurry of magic surprises in the next few years.

  5. David Cushman Avatar
    David Cushman

    I like the alternative (referenced) by Douglas Adams that technology is anything that doesn’t work. eg a chair is technology, but it works, so it becomes a chair instead 🙂

  6. David Cushman Avatar
    David Cushman

    I like the alternative (referenced) by Douglas Adams that technology is anything that doesn’t work. eg a chair is technology, but it works, so it becomes a chair instead 🙂

  7. neilperkin Avatar
    neilperkin

    @David excellent 🙂

  8. neilperkin Avatar
    neilperkin

    @David excellent 🙂

  9. anton martinez Avatar
    anton martinez

    Keep it up to carry publishing and that i’m gonna proceed reading by way of! Cheers.

  10. anton martinez Avatar
    anton martinez

    Keep it up to carry publishing and that i’m gonna proceed reading by way of! Cheers.

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