The major advances in speed of communication and ability to interact took place more than a century ago. The shift from sailing ships to telegraph was far more radical than that from telephone to email!

Noam Chomsky’s quote, "The major advances in speed of communication and ability to interact took place more than a century ago. The shift from sailing ships to telegraph was far more radical than that from telephone to email!" emphasizes the historical significance of early advancements in communication. Chomsky argues that the transition from sailing ships to the telegraph marked a far more transformative leap in how humans interacted and exchanged information than the more recent shift from telephone to email. This highlights the magnitude of change that occurred in the 19th century and how it reshaped society's ability to communicate.

Chomsky suggests that the telegraph, which allowed messages to be sent over long distances almost instantly, was a monumental change compared to previous methods of communication, such as ships or letters, which were limited by time and distance. The telegraph dramatically increased the speed and efficiency of communication, creating an entirely new paradigm in how information was shared across the world. In contrast, while advancements like the telephone and email are still significant, they are more incremental in nature, as they build upon technologies that already existed.

By framing the historical shift from sailing ships to the telegraph as "far more radical," Chomsky challenges the perception that modern technologies are always the most revolutionary. He points out that while we live in an age of rapid technological change, earlier advancements had a far greater impact on society's structure and interaction. The change in communication technology over the last century, while still important, doesn’t have the same sweeping influence as the innovations of the past.

Ultimately, Chomsky’s quote underscores how the most transformative changes in human interaction often come from unexpected sources. The telegraph marked a new era of communication, fundamentally changing the speed and scope of human connection. While technology continues to evolve, the radical breakthroughs of the past remain foundational to how we communicate today.