This is a great metaphor by a great man. They were both limited in the distance they could transport until a few decades ago, when the internet started gaining popularity. Since then, the internet has become an integral part of the every day lives of most of the people in the United States, and is used by more than a quarter of all human beings.
"A computer is the most remarkable tool that we've ever come up with. It's a bicycle for our minds." ~Steve Jobs
In the past decade, with the popularization of social media, the internet has become not only about connecting people to new places and ideas, but also about connecting people. Or, more to the point of this post, reconnecting people. Ten years ago, I made a new friend in high school band when she joined as a freshman, and I was a junior. We talked some, but 2 years was a big difference in high school. After I graduated, we didn't talk again until earlier this year after I was persuaded by a friend to rejoin Facebook. To my surprise, on a post about the Tour de France, I heard from her (for the first time in at least 9 years!). We talked throughout the event, and it was fun. After another few months of not talking, we started again. But this time, to learn about each other. We've talked every day since and it's been better than I could have hoped. To list our similarities would be no easy feat, as there are A LOT. And, not only are there those that could be listed, but also ones that would just be challenging to put to words. For the sake of brevity, my girlfriend is an amazing woman and an amazing person.
Last weekend, when home for a long time friend's wedding, I got to see her for the first time since high school. This was a great weekend. One goal for the weekend was to find my old yearbook. I couldn't have been happier with what I found. The picture says it all. I just smile, literally every time I see it. A pre-Facebook message from over a decade ago!
Computers are wonderful tools and, in our case, bicycles a catalyst. 700 miles would be difficult to overcome on a bike. Less difficult with a computer.
