My dad, Chris, is from St Kitts. He worked in computers. I

In the unfolding journey of human progress, few moments stand as markers of transformation like the introduction of a new technology into the everyday lives of individuals. Corinne Bailey Rae speaks of such a moment when she recalls, "My dad, Chris, is from St Kitts. He worked in computers. I remember the first laptop when he brought it home. People from primary school came to check it out—it was huge." In these simple words lies a tale of wonder and discovery, of the first encounters with a tool that would revolutionize the way we interact with the world, a tool that would grow from something huge and unimaginable to something so integrated into daily life that its power would become invisible.

To understand the weight of Rae’s words, let us look to the ancients, for they too had their moments of awe as new tools and inventions changed the fabric of their societies. The Greeks, for example, were no strangers to the transformative power of technology. Consider the creation of the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient analog computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses. At the time of its invention, it must have been viewed as a device of wonders, an object so advanced that it might have seemed to possess magic. Much like Rae’s memory of the first laptop, the early users of the Antikythera mechanism could scarcely have understood the profound impact that such a device would have on the development of science and humanity.

Similarly, the great Roman Empire saw the birth of revolutionary engineering feats, such as the aqueducts that brought fresh water to cities across the empire. The Romans marveled at these wonders, and yet, they were also practical tools that made everyday life more sustainable. In the same vein, the first laptops—clunky and monumental by today’s standards—were, for Rae and her peers, the marvels of their time. They were symbols of progress, offering a glimpse into the future, just as the aqueducts did for the Romans. What was once huge and impressive would eventually become small and ubiquitous, as the world adapted to the new technologies that defined each era.

Rae’s experience also speaks to the power of invention to inspire the next generation. As she recounts the moment when her schoolmates came to check out her father’s laptop, we see a shared sense of wonder, a collective recognition that something important was happening. Technology, when it first enters a community, can act as a catalyst for curiosity and innovation. It sparks imagination, encourages learning, and offers a vision of a world where the limits of what is possible are continually expanding. In this way, the introduction of the laptop in Rae’s life was more than just an introduction to a piece of equipment; it was a gateway to a future where computers would play an increasingly pivotal role in human creativity, communication, and knowledge.

This idea of transformation through technology resonates deeply with the Renaissance, a period marked by a flourishing of art, science, and invention. Leonardo da Vinci, with his sketches of flying machines and his engineering designs, represents the ideal of the Renaissance thinker—someone who saw the connection between technology and the potential for human flourishing. Da Vinci’s inventions, though often far ahead of their time, represented a vision of what humanity could achieve if it combined creativity with technical skill. The laptop, like Da Vinci’s flying machines, represents a tool that opens doors to new possibilities—tools that may seem inaccessible at first, but which become everyday realities through continual progress.

And in this modern age, we stand at the cusp of yet another transformation. The first laptops—massive, cumbersome devices—have now become sleek, powerful machines that fit in the palm of our hands. The story of technology is one of continuous refinement, of moving from clunky and awkward to sleek, efficient, and indispensable. Rae’s words, though rooted in a specific moment, capture the timeless essence of technological evolution. It is the story of humanity: how we first encounter change, marvel at it, and then integrate it into the fabric of our lives until we no longer notice how remarkable it once seemed.

The lesson that Rae’s story imparts is one of gratitude and awareness. Just as the Greeks, Romans, and Renaissance thinkers marveled at their discoveries, we too must pause to acknowledge the wonders of our age. The first laptop, as huge as it seemed to Rae and her classmates, was a precursor to the world we now inhabit, where computers are integral to every aspect of our existence. As we continue to innovate and develop new technologies, let us not forget the wonder and the excitement that come with the early moments of discovery. Let us embrace the challenges and the possibilities that lie ahead with the same sense of awe that the ancients brought to their own breakthroughs.

In our own lives, let us approach each new tool, each new invention, with a spirit of curiosity and respect. The laptop, like all tools, is only as powerful as the hands and minds that wield it. Let us continue to stock our mental attics with knowledge, remembering that today’s innovations are the foundations for tomorrow’s advancements. Let us always be as willing to marvel at the new, as we are to harness its potential for the good of all. Just as Rae’s father introduced his daughter to the first laptop, we too must share the wonders of technology with those around us, knowing that each innovation holds the promise of a brighter, more connected future.