Note
Historical Roots: Computing’s history is intertwined with American history, shaped by wartime research funding, Cold War priorities, and the space race. ENIAC, the first all-digital computer, emerged in 1946.
Silicon Valley: The space race fueled the silicon semiconductor industry in Northern California, shifting tech’s center of gravity from East to West. Gordon Moore’s prediction (Moore’s Law) about transistor growth held true, revolutionizing computing.
Challenges: Despite immense advances, the tech industry struggles to imagine bold and practical futures that address global health and climate crises. Silicon Valley’s focus on space colonies contrasts with urgent earthly challenges.
In summary, computing’s future will be shaped not only by technological breakthroughs but also by historical context and societal priorities.