Fungible goods in economics can be extended and traded. So, half as much grain is half as much useful, but half a baby or half a computer is less useful than a whole baby or a whole computer, and we've been trying to make computers that work that way.

Neil Gershenfeld’s quote draws a distinction between fungible goods and non-fungible items, especially in the context of technology and economics. In economics, fungible goods refer to commodities that are interchangeable and can be divided or combined without losing value or functionality—such as grain, where half of the amount is still equally useful. However, Gershenfeld contrasts this with things like babies or computers, where dividing or splitting them results in a loss of value and functionality. A whole computer or a whole baby is far more valuable and useful than just a part of either.

The origin of this idea comes from Gershenfeld’s work in digital fabrication and computer science. He is known for his research into personal fabrication and the creation of machines that allow people to design and make things on their own. His statement underscores a fundamental limitation in the way technology, particularly computers, has been developed to work. The goal has often been to make computers and devices more modular or capable of functioning with parts, but these devices do not work as well when broken into smaller pieces, unlike fungible goods.

Gershenfeld’s point about computers is an insight into how technology is still evolving and how its design needs to prioritize functionality over mere modularity. Unlike fungible goods like grain, where splitting doesn’t compromise utility, creating a computer that functions efficiently in a fragmented state has proven challenging. The desire to extend and trade these technologies often clashes with the reality that some products—like computers—are inherently less efficient or less useful when divided.

This quote ultimately critiques the push toward modular, easily divisible tech, suggesting that while division may work for fungible goods, the complexity of things like computers means that their usefulness and efficiency rely on keeping them intact. Gershenfeld advocates for designs that optimize functionality rather than merely attempting to make them more easily breakable or interchangeable.