We're seeing an enormous amount of global upward mobility that's quite rapid and quite sudden, and undiscovered individuals have a chance - using the Internet, using computers - to prove themselves very quickly. So I think the mobility story will be a quite complicated one.

The quote, "We're seeing an enormous amount of global upward mobility that's quite rapid and quite sudden, and undiscovered individuals have a chance - using the Internet, using computers - to prove themselves very quickly. So I think the mobility story will be a quite complicated one," comes from Tyler Cowen, an American economist and author. In this statement, Cowen discusses the rapid increase in global upward mobility facilitated by modern technology, particularly the Internet and computers. He highlights how these tools have given individuals who may have previously been overlooked or marginalized the opportunity to prove themselves and achieve success on a global scale, often in a relatively short amount of time.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Cowen's broader interest in globalization, technology, and economic mobility. As a professor of economics and a thinker on the intersection of technology and society, Cowen recognizes how the Internet has created new avenues for people to showcase their talents, ideas, and businesses. This has made the traditional pathways to success—such as those dictated by geography, social class, or traditional education—more flexible and accessible, allowing for a broader range of individuals to participate in the global economy.

In a broader sense, the quote speaks to the complexity of modern economic mobility. While the Internet and computers provide opportunities for many to rise economically, the process is not always straightforward. The “mobility story” Cowen refers to is multifaceted, with new barriers and opportunities arising as more people access these technologies. For some, the Internet has opened doors to rapid success, while for others, the increased competition in the digital world can make success more elusive.

Ultimately, Cowen’s quote highlights the transformative impact of technology on the way people navigate their careers and social mobility. The Internet has fundamentally changed the nature of success and opportunity, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to compete on a global scale. However, this also creates a complicated dynamic where success is no longer solely dependent on traditional factors but is influenced by new technological forces and the ability to adapt quickly to the changing digital landscape.