The Missing Link

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Throughout history, human societies have been restrained by the rate at which information could travel. The size of empires was determined by how fast news of a rebellion in the provinces could reach the capitol. Merchants receiving word of overseas markets via sailing ships could only guess at what happened in the interim.

Beginning with the discovery that intelligible signals could be sent by electromagnetic waves, global communications became effectively instantaneous. The information age had begun.

Whereas many situations require immediate response, the ability to receive news in time to react appropriately made a huge difference in how humans regarded their world. Events that had previously been over before the news reached interested parties could now be reported essentially in real time.

There were still, unfortunately, limitations on what could be accomplished. As long as all that was required was the exchange of information, response could be immediate and effective. But some things, such as a doctor responding to a medical emergency, require physical presence. Those who could not afford to have an agent on the spot to respond to their instructions were still essentially impotent. Power remained concentrated in the hands of those who could afford a representative.

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