Get Your Premium Membership

Old and New

If an ancient man saw planes two thousand years ago 
He would've thought they were birds 
Or angels from another world 
Or messengers from other planets. 

Every new machine would have surprised him— 
The car, TV, radio, phone, camera. 
He would've thought he was a savage 
Who didn't understand. 

If he saw a computer, 
Watching people talking on the internet, 
He would have thought it was a civilization 
Much more advanced and ahead of his. 

And if he stayed longer among the messengers 
He would have learned that every child had the knowledge 
And understanding of these things 
Or how to use all of them. 

Yet, after a while, he would have noticed 
That none of them were advanced enough 
To be labeled as those who know more 
Than the one who said: I know nothing. 






Book: Reflection on the Important Things