"And for all my rampant technological optimism, sometimes I think I'd be more comfortable if I were regarding these transcendental events from one thousand years remove... instead of twenty"

This quote by Vernor Vinge speaks to the idea of technological progress and its implications. Vinge is revealing his optimism for the capacity of technology, but also his discomfort with the rapid rate of modification. He suggests that if he were taking a look at these events from a thousand years in the past, he would feel more comfortable. This might be due to the fact that he would have more time to process the ramifications of the modifications, or due to the fact that he would be eliminated from the potential dangers and threats of the innovation. Vinge's quote talks to the concept that while technological development can be amazing, it can also be frustrating and even frightening. It is very important to consider the implications of technological progress and to make the effort to comprehend the prospective threats and benefits.