In spite of varied opinions on the future elimination of books in paper form as a result of technological advances like the eBook, the Economist illustrates books as a form of technology that has evolved over time with room for adaptability in “From papyrus to pixels: The future of the book.” In this neutral article, the Economist does not argue against the developments of new electronic book forms or the threat they pose to traditional books as many believe, but states “Books read in electronic form will boast the same power and some new ones to boot” as their paperback predecessors. Nor does the Economist insist on paperback versions of books being the best format for books. The Economist paints a vivid picture of the emergence and evolution of the technology of the book by using Cicero’s “de Officiis,” as a prime example of how technological advances have changed over time and have even reserved ancient information. Cicero’s “de Officiis,” has been around since 44BC and currently resides in the Huntington Library in San Marino, California after being transitioned into various formats throughout the years all because of the ever-changing technology of books. The Economist explores the technology of the book itself rather than a source of information or pleasure dependent on its effectiveness from which it is formatted.
Question: Why do people feel like the advancement of electronic technology is such a threat to traditional books?
