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Masters of the Word
448 pages, 2014
William J. Bernstein, the acclaimed author of A Splendid Exchange, explores the history of the development of media in his latest book. Bernstein begins in Mesopotamia with the invention of writing. The world's ancient empires were founded on this groundbreaking instrument. When Phoenician traders brought their alphabet to Greece, literacy exploded.
This proliferation of literacy spawned theater and democracy. Religious discontent was sparked by vernacular bibles—cheaper paper and Gutenberg's printing press made printed books affordable to a wider audience—and because of this cheap access to books, the Reformation was ignited. As new communication technologies became more accessible, individuals consolidated power in the hands of those who owned radio and television stations and major newspapers.
In Masters of the Word, William J. Bernstein explores the idea that the ability to effectively communicate has been a driving force behind human progress. He suggests that those who master new methods of communication often gain significant power and influence.
Bernstein takes us on a journey through history, tracing the evolution of communication from oral traditions to the digital age. He shows how each new medium, from writing to the printing press to the internet, has transformed society in unexpected ways.
The book also delves into the role of technology in communication. Bernstein argues that technological advancements have not only made communication faster and more efficient, but have also democratized information, giving more people access to knowledge than ever before.
Bernstein emphasizes the importance of literacy in societal development. He points out that societies with high literacy rates tend to be more prosperous and stable. This highlights the need for continued efforts to promote literacy worldwide.
In Masters of the Word, Bernstein also looks into the future of communication. He suggests that as technology continues to evolve, so will the ways in which we communicate. This could have profound implications for how we interact with each other and the world around us.
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