Reflections on science, technology, and computing — leavened by personal experience


During the past fifty years, I have been privileged to see the digital revolution courtside, as well as play the game myself. It’s a journey from physical media – punched cards, paper tape, and typewritten documents – to digital media, high-speed computing (megaflops, gigaflops, teraflops, and petaflops), high-speed broadband, powerful consumer devices, and globe-spanning AI…

Go now, my child, and play with your toys. It’s where your dreams are born.

We must mobilize all our country’s assets – government (at all levels), industry, academia, and non-profits – to address our growing challenges and the clear and manifest opportunities for discovery-fueled innovation.

Every child is born a scientist, filled with curiosity. Each deserves a pre-paid ticket to future of their dreams.

What made generative AI possible? What are its capabilities and limitations? How will it shape our future?

It’s time for the U.S. to “double down” – expand investment in basic research, both people and reserach infrastructure – nationwide – and unleash American innovation.