What is the half-life of information? Does its rate of decay correlate with the medium that conveys it? Pixels need power. Paper is unstable in fire and flood. Letters carved in stone are more durable, although not so easily distributed, but inertia can be a good thing.
The quote from Ruth Ozeki's "A Tale for the Time Being" raises the question of how long information remains relevant and the factors that influence its longevity. It suggests that different media used to convey information have varying degrees of durability. For instance, digital information, represented by pixels, requires energy to maintain its existence, while paper can be easily destroyed by natural elements like fire and water.
Ozeki contrasts this with information engraved in stone, which can last for centuries but poses challenges in terms of distribution. This reflection on the half-life of information highlights the relationship between the medium of communication and how it affects the persistence and accessibility of knowledge over time. Ultimately, it suggests that while some forms of information may endure, they also come with their own limitations.
