“Literacy was power.”

— Tom Standage

Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years

Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Tom Standage1

British journalist 1969

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“Ignorance is king. Many would not profit by his abdication. Many enrich themselves by means of his dark monarchy. They are his Court, and in his name they defraud and govern, enrich themselves and perpetuate their power. Even literacy they fear, for the written word is another channel of communication that might cause their enemies to become united. Their weapons are keen-honed, and they use them with skill. They will press the battle upon the world when their interests are threatened, and the violence which follows will last until the structure of society as it now exists is leveled to rubble, and a new society emerges. I am sorry: But that is how I see it.”

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“Literacy was power.”

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