Long Now George Dyson: There's Plenty of Room at the Top: Long-term Thinking About Large-scale Computing
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Jan 10, 2004 
George Dyson, a historian of science and technology, dives into the evolution of computing and its future implications. He discusses the balance between digital and analog preservation, highlighting the role of archivists. The conversation touches on computing’s historical ties to bomb development and long-term predictions about the universe's expansion. Dyson shares personal anecdotes that connect ancient kayaking techniques to modern tech, emphasizing the cyclical nature of innovation and the partnership between computing and biology.
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Early Influences
- George Dyson's interest in long-term thinking stemmed from his teenage years in Princeton, New Jersey.
- Inspired by the Whole Earth Catalog, he moved west and lived in a treehouse for three winters, developing a unique perspective on time.
Kayaks and Computers
- Dyson built kayaks based on ancient Aleut designs, highlighting the long-term evolution of technology.
- He observed a parallel between kayak and computer development, driven by cycles of improvement and demand.
Von Neumann's Vision
- John von Neumann's approach to computing was revolutionary for its time.
- He brought engineers to the Institute for Advanced Study, a place focused on pure thought, to build one of the first computers.