In many societies, despite enormous inequalities, ordinary people not only read but have access to a huge quantity of reading matter through the Internet. I would not minimize the digital divide, which separates the computerized world from the rest, nor would I underestimate the importance of traditional books. But the future is digital. And I believe that if we can resolve the current challenges facing books in ways that favor ordinary citizens, we can create a digital republic of letters. Much of my book is devoted to this premise and can be summarized in two words: digitize and democratize.

It may be time to update Simon and Garfunkel:

Yes, we speak of things that matter,
With words that must be said,
Can analysis be worthwhile?
Is the book really dead?

The last line above actually asks “Is the theater really dead?” in the original lyrics to “The Dangling Conversation” written by Paul Simon.