But like all power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves. The world's entire scientific and cultural heritage, published over centuries in books and journals, is increasingly being digitized and locked up by a handful of private corporations. Want to read the papers featuring the most famous results of the sciences? You'll need to send enormous amounts to publishers like Reed Elsevier.
Aaron SwartzWhat is the most important thing you could be working on in the world right now? ... And if you're not working on that, why aren't you?
Aaron SwartzMost people's major life changes don't come from reading an article in the newspaper; they come from reading longer-form essays or thoughtful books, which are much more convincing and detailed.
Aaron SwartzBeing around some of the bright lights of the technology world and having them expect great things helps you sit down and do it seriously.
Aaron Swartz