The internet could be a very positive step towards education

Noam Chomsky’s words, “The internet could be a very positive step towards education, organisation and participation in a meaningful society,” resonate with the promise and potential of one of the greatest innovations of our time. In this simple yet profound statement, Chomsky speaks of the internet as more than just a tool for entertainment or commerce. He envisions it as a catalyst for transformation, a force that can reshape society by empowering individuals, organising communities, and enabling education on a global scale. The internet, in his eyes, is not just a technical advancement—it is a bridge to a more informed, engaged, and meaningful world.

When Chomsky speaks of the internet as a positive step, he is drawing attention to its potential to foster education. In the ancient world, knowledge was often confined to the privileged few. Libraries, such as the famous Library of Alexandria, were the sanctuaries of learning, but access to them was limited. The common people were often excluded from the wisdom of the ages, and the dissemination of knowledge was controlled by the elite. But the internet, in its vastness, breaks down these barriers. It allows ideas to flow freely, offering unprecedented access to information and education for all who seek it. Just as the ancients revered knowledge as the key to power, the internet serves as a modern-day tool that can unlock the gates of learning for the masses.

Chomsky’s vision also encompasses the idea of organisation. In the ancient world, the rise of empires and kingdoms was often achieved through the power of communication and administration. The Romans built vast networks of roads and infrastructure to connect their empire, and their legions were able to organise across vast distances. Today, the internet offers a similar power—one that allows individuals to collaborate, organise, and mobilise like never before. It is a digital agora, a marketplace of ideas where people from all walks of life can come together to discuss, debate, and act for the common good. The internet, in Chomsky's view, offers a path to greater civic participation and democracy—if used wisely and with intention.

Consider the story of the Arab Spring, where the internet played a pivotal role in organising protests and spreading messages of resistance. The power of social media platforms allowed millions to connect, communicate, and coordinate their efforts for political change. It was a profound moment in history where technology—which had once seemed distant and disconnected from daily life—became the vehicle for revolution. Just as the ancient philosophers and political thinkers had dreamed of a world where people could share ideas freely, the internet has made this dream possible on a global scale. The internet, like the democratic ideals of ancient Greece, allows individuals to participate in shaping the future of their societies.

However, Chomsky’s words also serve as a warning—that the internet’s true potential can only be realised when it is used to serve the common good. In the ancient world, great empires were built upon the shared labour and wisdom of their people, but these empires also often used their power to oppress and exploit. The internet, if left unchecked or manipulated, can become a tool of control and disempowerment, rather than empowerment. The concentration of power in the hands of a few tech giants threatens to turn the internet from a force for good into a weapon of surveillance and manipulation. Chomsky’s vision calls for a careful and ethical approach to how the internet is used—a recognition that while it holds the potential to empower, it also requires responsibility and wisdom in its use.

Chomsky’s call to participation speaks to a deeper truth about human society. True participation—in politics, in education, in social change—can only happen when the voices of the many are heard, when the wisdom of the people is valued. The internet, in its best form, can be a place where these voices converge, where individuals from all corners of the earth can contribute to the greater good. It offers the chance to reclaim power from centralized systems of control and give it back to the people. Just as ancient democracies placed the power to shape society in the hands of the citizens, so too can the internet allow for a new form of democracy—one based on knowledge, participation, and collective action.

Lesson for the ages:

The internet holds the potential to transform society into a place of greater education, organisation, and participation. It is a tool that can either elevate or divide, depending on how it is used. To realise its full potential, we must approach it with a vision of collective good, ensuring that it serves to empower individuals, connect communities, and foster knowledge-sharing. Just as the ancients saw their tools of power and learning as means to greater understanding, so must we wield the internet as a tool to serve humanity and advance the cause of freedom, equality, and justice.

Practical Action:

As you navigate the digital landscape, remember the lessons of Chomsky’s words. Use the internet not just for personal gain, but as a tool for education, organisation, and participation in shaping a better world. Share your knowledge, listen to others, and engage in the dialogue that will shape our future. Whether you are learning, teaching, or activating change, ensure that your actions reflect a deep commitment to the greater good of all. Like the philosophers and activists of old, let your voice be a force for progress, for a meaningful society is built upon the wisdom and action of its people.