Access to computers and the Internet has become a basic need for

Kent Conrad’s words, “Access to computers and the Internet has become a basic need for education in our society,” resonate deeply with the truth that in the modern world, knowledge and access are intertwined in a way that could not have been imagined in the days of the ancients. The computer and Internet have emerged as the modern tools of learning—much like the great libraries of the ancient world, which were the gatekeepers of wisdom and knowledge. Conrad’s quote speaks to the central role that these technologies now play in educating individuals and empowering societies. What once was a privilege is now a necessity, and without access to these digital resources, one is at a distinct disadvantage in the pursuit of knowledge.

In the ancient world, education was the cornerstone of civilization. Plato believed that through learning, individuals could understand the truths of the world and lead virtuous lives. The academy he founded in Athens was not just a school, but a sanctuary where young minds were exposed to the ideas of the great philosophers—a place of intellectual exchange. In much the same way, the Internet today is a vast academy, one where knowledge is shared not only by scholars but by every person with access to the network. Just as Plato’s Academy gave students the tools to engage with the great ideas of the time, the Internet provides individuals with the ability to engage with the knowledge of the world, regardless of their geographical location.

Consider the Library of Alexandria, the most famous library of the ancient world, which stood as a symbol of knowledge and learning. Scholars from across the known world came to Alexandria, seeking access to its vast collection of scrolls, hoping to enrich their minds and contribute to the broader human understanding. The Internet, like the Library of Alexandria, is a repository of knowledge—vast and boundless. It houses books, videos, research papers, and discussions that were once confined to the walls of great universities or libraries, but now exist freely for anyone with a connection. Conrad’s assertion is a reminder that just as the ancient library was a vital resource for intellectual growth, so too is the Internet in our modern age. Without it, a person is at risk of becoming an intellectual outsider, unable to partake in the global conversation.

The story of Gutenberg and the invention of the printing press also serves as an early example of how access to knowledge can shape the course of history. Before the printing press, books were rare and costly, and the spread of knowledge was slow. But Gutenberg’s invention transformed the world, democratizing education and literature, and allowing for the rapid spread of ideas that led to the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution. In a similar way, the Internet serves as the modern printing press, multiplying the speed at which we can share and receive information. Without access to this tool, individuals are unable to fully participate in the intellectual revolution that the Internet represents.

However, Conrad’s statement also carries an implicit warning. The rise of digital divides—the gap between those with access to technology and those without—could create new forms of inequality. The ancients were keenly aware of the dangers of ignorance. In Plato’s Republic, he warned that a society built on ignorance would collapse, for the people would not have the wisdom to govern themselves. Similarly, in our time, the failure to provide equal access to the Internet could lead to a society of people who are disconnected from the vast resources of knowledge available, perpetuating the cycles of poverty and ignorance. The challenge, then, is not just to connect the world, but to ensure that every person has equal opportunity to learn, to grow, and to contribute to the global dialogue.

In this digital age, the power of knowledge is at our fingertips. The Internet allows for a new kind of education—one that is not limited by physical borders or traditional learning structures. Consider Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl who, despite being denied an education in her home country, used the Internet to speak out for the rights of girls to learn. Her words, shared across the world via digital platforms, sparked a global movement for educational equality. The Internet allowed her to transcend the boundaries of her environment and reach the ears of millions. This is the power of the digital age—a force that enables individuals to empower themselves and others, regardless of their physical location.

Lesson for the ages:

Access to knowledge has always been central to the development of a prosperous society. The ancients understood that to build a flourishing civilization, one must provide access to learning for all its members. Today, in the age of the Internet, this is no different. The digital revolution has the potential to democratize education, to bridge gaps, and to connect minds across the world. But this revolution can only be fully realized when we ensure that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the tools that allow them to learn, grow, and contribute to society.

Practical Action:

As you move through your life, remember the power that education holds—not only for personal growth, but for the advancement of society. Advocate for equal access to technology, and work to bridge the digital divide in your own community. Use the Internet not just for entertainment, but as a tool for learning, to access the vast library of knowledge that exists in the world today. Share your knowledge with others, and seek out new ways to make education more accessible and inclusive. Just as the ancients passed down their wisdom for future generations, so too must we ensure that the tools of the modern world—like the Internet—serve as a force for good and equality. Let access to learning be a universal right, and let the Internet serve as the modern library of Alexandria for all.