As We May Think
, subject: Essay on information and the Memex
David uses the essay’s influence on Douglas Engelbart and the mother of all demos to trace an idea chain into personal computing.
About the book
Published in The Atlantic in 1945, the essay introduces the memex, a proposed device for building associative trails through documents and records.
Why read it
Best if you want David’s account of using the essay’s influence on Douglas Engelbart and the mother of all demos to trace an idea chain into personal computing, and of how the essay inspired generations of computer scientists and founders.
Key themes
- Influence on Engelbart and the mother of all demos
- Inspiration for computer scientists and founders
Evidence and original sources
This record is supported by 2 public evidence rows linked to original Founders episodes.
- Vannevar Bush (Pieces of the Action) — David uses As We May Think's influence on Douglas Engelbart and the mother of all demos to trace an idea chain into personal computing.
- Vannevar Bush (Engineer of the American Century) — David discusses how Bush's essay As We May Think inspired generations of computer scientists and founders.
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