In Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death," he discusses the shift in how knowledge is perceived in an age dominated by telegraphic communication. The traditional printed page, once a rich source for understanding and acquiring knowledge through its comprehensive, sequential structure, has lessened in significance. Instead of emphasizing the depth of knowledge, contemporary communication prioritizes quick, factual information, often disconnected from context and deeper understanding.

This change redefines "knowing" from understanding intricate connections and implications to merely accumulating pieces of information. The rapid and fragmented nature of telegraphic discourse does not allow for historical context or qualitative assessment, leading to a superficial grasp of facts. Thus, the measure of intelligence shifts from deep comprehension to the breadth of information one can recall, highlighting a potential decline in the quality of public discourse.