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"Ce qu'un ordinateur est pour moi est l'outil le plus remarquable que nous ayons jamais inventé, et c'est l'équivalent d'un vélo pour nos esprits."

Herbert Simon
Herbert Simon Economist
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Quote meaning
Imagine a tool that amplifies your brainpower, just like a bicycle extends the power of your legs. That's what a computer does for our minds. It's not just a gadget—it's a mind-expansion device that helps us think, create, and solve problems in ways we couldn't manage alone.

Back in the late 20th century, when personal computers were becoming accessible, Steve Jobs said this. He was a visionary who saw beyond the tech itself. He recognized that computers could fundamentally change how we work and think. Jobs wasn't just talking about processing speed or graphics capabilities. He was talking about how computers can empower us to go further and faster mentally, just as bicycles let us zip around more quickly than we can on foot.

Think about a writer. Picture someone hammering away on a typewriter, surrounded by crumpled paper. Now, swap that for a modern author using a laptop. The computer doesn't just replace the typewriter—it transforms the writing process. With a computer, the author can research instantly, connect with other writers across the globe, and revise drafts with ease. The writer's creative process becomes more fluid, more dynamic. A world of information and collaboration opens up, all at their fingertips.

Alright, so how do you apply this idea to your life? Start by viewing your computer as a tool of empowerment, not just a device for work or entertainment. Use it to learn new skills, connect with communities, or create something unique. Dive into coding, graphic design, or even starting a blog. The point is to use this tool to amplify your abilities and passions.

Let's say you love gardening and want to turn your hobby into a side business. Your computer can be your best ally. You can research plant care tips, design a website, and connect with potential customers through social media—all from your home. Suddenly, what was a small garden in your backyard can become a thriving online business. Your computer helps you bridge the gap between a simple hobby and a profitable venture.

Or think about a student struggling with a tough subject. Instead of feeling stuck, they can use educational software, watch tutorial videos, or join online study groups. The computer becomes a tutor, a library, and a collaborative space all in one. The student's learning speed and understanding can be greatly improved, making the impossible seem possible.

At its core, the message is about leveraging tools to enhance human potential. Computers, like bicycles, are extensions of ourselves. They don’t do the work for us, but they help us achieve more than we could on our own. So, embrace technology as an enabler. Use it to push boundaries, explore new interests, and solve problems creatively. Just like a bike ride opens up new paths and vistas, using a computer can lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities. Think of it as your mind's trusty steed, ready to take you on your next great adventure.
Related tags
Computers Creativity Innovation Intelligence Metaphor Mind Productivity Steve jobs Technology Tools
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