We speak of 'software eating the world,' 'the Internet of Things,' and we massify 'data' by declaring it 'Big.' But these concepts remain for the most part abstract. It's hard for many of us to grasp the impact of digital technology on the 'real world' of things like rocks, homes, cars, and trees. We lack a metaphor that hits home.
This quote underscores the challenge of making abstract technological phenomena tangible and relatable to the everyday experiences of people. Concepts like 'software eating the world' or 'Big Data' are pervasive in discussions of modern innovation, yet they often feel disconnected from the tangible reality of the physical environment we inhabit. As digital systems increasingly influence everything from our homes to the natural world, it becomes essential to develop metaphors and illustrative narratives that bridge the gap between the virtual and the physical. Without these metaphors, many may struggle to appreciate the profound changes taking place—such as how data-driven decision-making affects ecological sustainability or how smart technology integrates seamlessly into our physical surroundings. Visualizing these complex ideas through relatable analogies can help foster a greater understanding and inspire more profound engagement with the evolving digital landscape. The quote prompts us to think about how communication around technological progress can be more effective, emphasizing the importance of metaphor and storytelling in education and public discourse. Making abstract digital concepts concrete will likely be key to ensuring broad awareness and responsible adoption of new technologies, ultimately shaping how we interpret and navigate the changing relationship between our physical and digital worlds.