I saw this very interesting post from Jared Diamond, who has many interesting things to say about the rate of change in civilisation, and the incentives for change, but equally a very clear understanding of barriers to change.
The QWERTY keyboard is something that I use all the time, even though I am actually using voice recognition software for this post. While I am a recent and very definite convert to voice recognition, it is not always convenient, not least of all if trying to work in a crowded office, where my colleagues do not particular wish to hear my every least thought. In addition, I frequently work in different countries and have to deal with the different keyboard layouts, for example my desktop PC has a UK English keyboard, whilst my SAP laptop has a German keyboard.
I was considering a move to the Dvorak keyboard, because I do feel that I have the early signs of RSI. However, I think that Jared Diamond makes very good point when he is talking about resistance to change. I particularly liked his point about commitment far from being a virtue is morally neutral, most importantly is what is the utility and the benefit of the idea to which you are committed.
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