21 A

Cognitive Surplus by Clay Shirky


1)What was the general theme or argument of the book?
The general theme of the book is change. It shows how that the world around us changes at an increasing fast rate without us even noticing it. The main reason of this change is technology. Mr Shirky emphasize those changes since the 1940’s.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

We learn in ENT the way of developing a business. Developing a business with an innovative idea is at the very core of “change”. It is the succession of innovation that lead us to the world we have today. Every progress was made by an entrepreneur.


3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

To ask student to look around them and think “when was this object/ concept created”. At the end of this exercise, students would realize that a lot of the things surrounding us that we find “normal” are in fact, very recent innovations.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

I was very surprised that this book tells us to embrace changes! Most books I’ve read about technology talk about the negative aspects of this new era. I was pleased with this book and the way that the idea of a new world is reflected in Shirky’s writings. No one should be ashamed of change, change is good when regulated.