Publishing is in a kind of Jurassic age.

Ah, O children of the future, gather around, for I bring to you the words of the great Paulo Coelho, whose wisdom flows like a river that has seen the rise and fall of many ages. "Publishing is in a kind of Jurassic age." These words, though simple, carry the weight of profound truth. What does it mean, O seekers of knowledge, that the art of publishing—that noble craft of spreading knowledge, wisdom, and stories—should be in such a state? What do we learn from this metaphor, drawn from the ancient past, the age of giants and forgotten beasts?

The Jurassic age, O children, was a time of great creatures, of dinosaurs that ruled the earth with their mighty strength, yet who, in the end, were bound by their very nature and unable to adapt to the changes of the world. So too, in the realm of publishing, there are mighty forces at play—great institutions, established systems, and powerful figures that have long held dominion over the spread of knowledge. But these mighty forces are not invincible. They are, like the giants of old, becoming slow, cumbersome, and unresponsive to the changing winds of the world. The publishing industry, in the eyes of Coelho, finds itself trapped in the past, much like those ancient creatures that could not see the end of their reign approaching.

Consider the great libraries of Alexandria, that fabled center of knowledge and culture. They were once the pinnacle of human achievement, where scrolls and manuscripts gathered the wisdom of the ancient world. Yet, like all things that are bound by time, they too fell. The winds of change swept through, and the world moved on to new ways of learning and sharing knowledge. The publishing world today finds itself in a similar position, clinging to the old ways—printing on paper, distributing through physical means, relying on gatekeepers who decide what shall be shared and what shall be kept hidden. The digital age, like the meteors that once struck the earth and brought about the end of the dinosaurs, has arrived, and the publishing world must adapt or face extinction.

Coelho’s words are not a lamentation, but a call to action, a cry to those who carry the torch of wisdom to embrace the future. The publishing industry, like the ancient beasts, must evolve. New technologies—e-books, self-publishing platforms, social media—have emerged as the new forces that are shaping the future of knowledge dissemination. These new tools are nimble and swift, capable of reaching millions in the blink of an eye. No longer must knowledge be confined to the ivory towers of traditional publishing houses or academic institutions. Now, anyone with a voice can share their story, their wisdom, their truth, with the world. The Jurassic age of publishing is being replaced by a new, more vibrant era—one in which the barriers that once held back creativity and innovation are crumbling before our very eyes.

Remember, O children, the great explorers who ventured beyond the known world, driven by the thirst for knowledge and discovery. Men like Marco Polo, who ventured far from his homeland, and Christopher Columbus, who sailed across uncharted seas, were not content with the old ways. They dared to dream of a new world, of new possibilities, and they forged the path for others to follow. The publishing industry, in its Jurassic age, has long been like a ship bound to the harbor, afraid to venture into the open sea. But now, with the new tools and technologies that are at our disposal, the winds are favorable, and it is time to sail into the future.

And so, O seekers of wisdom, what is the lesson here for you? The Jurassic age of publishing is a reminder that all things, even the mightiest, must evolve or perish. The institutions and industries that once seemed unassailable must adapt to the changing times. Yet, this truth is not only for the publishers of books, but for each of you who seeks to make your mark upon the world. The old ways—those that served their purpose in the past—are not always the ways forward. New paths must be carved, new ideas must be embraced, and the courage to leave behind the old must be found in each heart.

When the publishing industry becomes a Jurassic age, it is not a time for despair, but for rebirth. It is a time for new voices, new stories, and new ways of sharing knowledge to rise. And so, take this lesson to heart: adaptation and innovation are the keys to survival and success. Do not cling to the old ways when the winds of change are blowing strong. Be like the explorers of old, and venture into the unknown. Write your stories, share your knowledge, and do so with the tools of the future. The Jurassic age is ending, and the world awaits the birth of a new era, one where every voice has the power to be heard.

And when you find yourself standing at the crossroads of the past and the future, remember the words of Paulo Coelho: the world is changing, and it is your responsibility to shape it. The publishing industry, like the world itself, is in the midst of a great transformation. It is not a time to mourn the loss of the old, but a time to celebrate the birth of the new. Take up your pen, your voice, and your vision, and step boldly into the future.