Walter Isaacson, in his book "The Innovators," presents the thought-provoking idea that the copier may hold more societal significance than the computer. This statement highlights the impact of copiers in disseminating information, allowing for the rapid sharing and replication of ideas, which in many ways has been foundational to communication and innovation. The ability to easily duplicate documents and materials has transformed how knowledge is spread, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
By emphasizing the copier's role, Isaacson suggests that while computers are powerful tools for computation and processing, the copier's function in facilitating communication has arguably been more crucial in shaping society. This viewpoint opens a discussion about the varying influences technology can have, encouraging a reevaluation of how we perceive the importance of different innovations in the context of social progress.