The quote highlights how learning to read fundamentally alters our brain's structure, making us dependent on technology and information in a way that defines us as "cyborgs." By acquiring literacy skills, we integrate ourselves with external knowledge sources, transforming how we process information and interact with the world. This integration suggests that reading is not just an activity but a transformative experience that reconfigures our cognitive capabilities permanently.
Exploring beyond its surface meaning, the quote emphasizes the idea of human enhancement through technology and education. It posits that as humans integrate more technologies into their daily lives—beyond mere literacy to include smartphones, computers, and other digital tools—we become deeply interwoven with these devices. This integration means that our cognitive functions are no longer isolated within our biological brain but extend into the digital realm where vast amounts of information can be accessed instantly. Thus, the quote suggests a broader view of human evolution, where technology is not seen as separate from humanity but as an integral part of it.
Ramez Naam is a science writer and technologist known for his work on issues related to futurism, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. He has written extensively about the impact of emerging technologies on society and the human condition. His insights often focus on how technological advancements are reshaping our understanding of what it means to be human in an increasingly interconnected world.
