You can be very connected, computers are great, they can get you a ticket to Venezuela in five minutes; brilliant. But if you know your music and your history, you can make that work as a tool. If you don't, you're working as a slave to it.

In this quote, Goldie, a renowned musician and DJ, reflects on the relationship between technology and personal mastery. He acknowledges the convenience and power of computers, highlighting how they can facilitate tasks like booking a ticket to a faraway destination, such as Venezuela, in a matter of minutes. The speed and efficiency of computers are undeniable, but Goldie emphasizes that the real value lies in using technology as a tool—one that works for you—rather than allowing it to control you.

Goldie’s point is that understanding the tools you use, whether it's technology, music, or history, gives you the ability to harness them effectively. He suggests that knowledge and awareness are key to turning computers into tools for personal growth or creativity. Without this understanding, he warns, people can easily become slaves to technology, blindly following its lead rather than using it to enhance their own skills or goals.

The origin of this quote comes from Goldie, a British musician known for blending electronic music with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and drum and bass. His own career is a testament to how technology can be leveraged creatively. As an artist who understands both the technical and artistic aspects of his craft, Goldie’s perspective on technology is rooted in his experiences of using it to enhance his music, rather than being overwhelmed by it.

Ultimately, Goldie’s quote emphasizes the importance of knowledge and self-mastery when engaging with technology. Computers and digital tools, while incredibly useful, should serve as instruments that enhance our capabilities, not something that dictates our lives. His message calls for a thoughtful, informed approach to technology, where it amplifies our abilities rather than diminishes them.