The ownership of computers in the home is far less than the

When Major Owens stated, “The ownership of computers in the home is far less than the statistics show, because usually when the computer breaks down once, that is the end of it for a long, long time. They do not have the money or incentive to get the computer repaired,” he was highlighting a silent reality that technology statistics often fail to capture. The world has been rapidly transformed by the rise of computers, and the assumption is that nearly everyone has access to them. Yet, Owens’ words point to a deeper truth: technology, while abundant in many places, is often unreliable and out of reach for those who most need it. The cost of maintenance, coupled with the inaccessibility of repair services, means that many individuals are left with broken devices, abandoned like forgotten tools in the corner of a home. This invisibility of the true state of computer ownership speaks to the broader issue of economic inequality and the disparities that technology often hides.

In ancient times, when tools like plows or weapons were the bedrock of civilization, their value was not simply in their initial creation but in their maintenance. The craftsman, the blacksmith, or the carpenter knew well that their tools were the lifeblood of their work and that to let them fall into disrepair would be to lose the very means of their livelihood. Much like these ancient tools, today’s computers are not just objects of convenience, but instruments of communication, education, and work. Yet, just as ancient tools were often only as good as the care and resources available to maintain them, today’s technology faces similar challenges. Owens' statement underscores that access to functional technology is not just about ownership but about the resources needed to sustain it.

The origin of Owens’ quote lies in his awareness of the social inequalities that technology can inadvertently perpetuate. On the surface, it seems that we live in a world of abundant access to technology, with computers being commonplace in homes, schools, and businesses. However, as Owens points out, statistics can be misleading when they fail to account for the practical realities of technology use — specifically the barriers of cost, repair, and maintenance. For many, a broken computer is more than a minor inconvenience; it is a barrier to work, education, and even basic communication. Yet, unlike the powerful tools of the ancient world, which could be easily repaired or replaced, today’s technology often presents a challenge in itself when it breaks down. The digital divide is not only about access to the devices but also about the resources needed to keep them running smoothly.

This digital divide is not just a theoretical problem; it has real-world consequences. Take, for example, the story of the public library movement in the United States. In the early 20th century, libraries became places of access and opportunity for many who were otherwise denied knowledge. In the same vein, today’s computers are essential tools for learning and career advancement. But just as early libraries faced the challenge of ensuring equal access to books and resources, we now face a similar challenge in the digital age: how do we ensure that all people, regardless of economic status, have the ability to use, repair, and maintain the very tools that are vital for survival in the modern world? The reality is that many families and communities are left behind because the tools they need are unavailable or unrepairable.

The meaning of Owens’ words speaks to the complexity of technology's role in our lives. It reminds us that while ownership of technology may be widespread, the true value of technology lies in its use and sustainability. Computers are not merely objects; they are instruments of progress, and without the resources to keep them functioning, they become nothing more than expensive clutter. This truth highlights a larger moral: we must move beyond a world where ownership is the sole measure of access to technology and begin considering how repair, maintenance, and education can ensure that technology serves all people equitably.

The lesson here is not just about the access to technology, but about creating systems that ensure technology serves as a tool for empowerment, not a luxury reserved for the few. We must ask ourselves: How can we ensure that technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier? How do we provide not just access, but the resources, education, and support needed to ensure that everyone can make full use of the tools available to them?

Practical actions we can take from this wisdom:

1. Invest in repair and maintenance: Just as we maintain our homes, vehicles, and physical tools, we must consider how to extend that care to technology, providing repair services and educational resources.

2. Create accessible repair networks: Community-based repair initiatives can offer solutions to those who cannot afford expensive technical services.

3. Ensure inclusive access to technology: Advocate for policies that provide equal access not just to computers, but to the skills and knowledge necessary to use them effectively.

4. Value sustainability: Just as in the ancient world, we must recognize that technology is not just about ownership, but about sustaining and preserving the tools we rely on for future generations.

For as Major Owens reminds us, ownership is not enough. The true value of technology lies not in the moment it is purchased, but in the ability to maintain, repair, and utilize it effectively. Only when we ensure that all people have the resources to engage fully with technology can we hope to create a world where it serves everyone, not just the privileged few.