In the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was one of several revolutions that overturned society. Mechanical creatures intruded into farms and homes, but still this invasion had no name. Finally, in 1802, Johann Beckmann, an economics professor at Gottingen University gave this ascending force its name [technology] . . . He hoped his outline [a textbook titled Guide to Technology] would become the first course in the subject. It did that and more. It also gave a name to what we do. Once named, we could now see it. Having seen it, we wondered how anyone could not have seen it.
Source: Kevin Kelly, What Technology Wants
Posted: 2025 Oct 18
Or check out this TEDxSF by Kelly.
Somebody sent me a picture of a pair of slipper that appeared to be laughing. I tried to put it in here but, sigh, I couldn’t.
Tom
Tom – Yeah, it seems that there’s no option to insert a photo in a comment or a reply thereto, but this link to images should work.
Trés amusing! Slippers — always inappropriately giddy to see your feet.
Barbara – Well, my slippers never look giddy, even though my feet are tres cute.
I would call your trio a quartet, Isabel. If the picture of the hat on the left is turned counter-clockwise 90 degrees it has a rather different expression made from most of the same elements.
The coffee-cup lid I intend to forget because that is a “face” to which I get up close and personal quite often!
Laurna – Hahah – So it does! They’re just the gift that keeps on giving.