Chapter 105 Word of caution replaces

A newspaper reporter called me and asked how I would feel when the computer network replaced paper books.I told him that I first thought that the computer network would not replace books, and he asked if I thought it was a long time ago, so I didn't think about it?I said, in my opinion, that no matter how long, paper books will still exist. I have a feeling that maybe our nation has lagged behind for too long in the past, especially the communication with the outside world has been out of touch for a long period. Therefore, we are embracing the new things invented by human beings in the world. At the same time, sometimes it is unavoidable to exaggerate some instrumental progress in certain technological production as a standard for measuring the degree of civilization and affluence.More than ten years ago, when televisions became popular in China, a reporter once called me and asked me how I would feel once TV replaced all other forms of entertainment.At that time, I also answered that I don't really believe that TV will replace all forms of entertainment. Movies, stage performances, radio, reading books, newspapers and other forms of entertainment will still coexist.Of course, as I said above, China has its own national conditions. After the popularization of television, movies and stage performances have indeed been affected.Moreover, whether or not there is a TV at home is still a major measure of life happiness for ordinary people in China. In the early 1980s, they would ask whether it was black and white or color. In the 1990s, they would ask whether they had changed to More than 29 inches, whether it is a flat screen or not... Of course, this has its gratifying side. However, as soon as a new technological product appears, there will be noises of "replacement". I think it is a reflection of a deviation in the way of thinking .

Computers are the most developed in the United States, and related technological research and product development are advancing with each passing day. However, going to the cinema to watch movies is still the most important form of entertainment for ordinary Americans.I traveled from the east to the middle to the west of the United States the year before last, and met many ordinary Americans. They naturally have computers at home, but it is far from what many of us imagined. Everything they do is replaced by computers. Watching movies in movie theaters, I often go to special stores to borrow videotapes to watch. There are not many places to rent CDs-in Silicon Valley, California, USA, I have visited many bookstores selling paper books, and the business there is not dull.When it comes to shopping, on the one hand, it is true that online shopping has become commonplace for them. They choose their favorite products from the Internet, enter their credit card passwords according to the regulations, and the merchants will deliver the goods to their homes within the agreed time limit. ; but on the other hand, they still go to the store frequently, and many people still think that shopping is one of the great pleasures in life.What impresses me even more is that they never measure the degree of civilization and affluence by whether there is a TV at home, or the size of the TV.To the computer is the same as we treat the electric light, but as a convenient tool, and does not determine the social value of oneself and others based on whether you are online or not.And, I've found, it's the most elegant homes that try to flaunt the artificial, low-tech artifacts they own.For example, there is such a family that there is no TV stereo in the living room, the lights are not turned on after dinner, candles are used for lighting, the wife plays the piano, the husband plays the cello, the eldest daughter plays the alto violin, the second daughter and the younger one The son played the violin, and the family performed some western classical chamber music to show their civilization and affluence. If you talk about "replacement" with them, they will definitely make their teeth cold.

The appearance of the electronic organ will not replace the piano; the appearance of television will not close down the broadcasting industry; the popularity of performance art will not make no one create easel paintings; Some areas will shrink in certain periods of time, but just like real performances will not completely wipe out puppet shows, it will definitely exist and develop for a long time; fountain pens have not completely replaced brushes, and oil-based signature pens have not completely replaced fountain pens; Sending "Yimeier" by computer is very good, but telephone, fax, telegram, and letter will still coexist with it... Perhaps, some things will indeed be gradually eliminated in the development of human society, but we need to understand that human beings The society has entered a stage of development where compatibility is its main feature. Our way of thinking should no longer be "one-sided". Instead of asking about "replacement", it is better to guide the perception of "compatibility".

In fact, the most terrible thing about computer development itself is to take the road of compatibility.There was a very powerful computer company in the United States, but because the products it developed were only thinking of "replacing" and ignoring "compatibility", it went bankrupt and closed down.In this era where the development of civilization is characterized by compatibility, my friends, please be careful to replace!