"The problem is that there are very few technologies that essentially haven't changed for 60, 70 years"

The quote by Robert Sternberg assesses the nature of technological advancement and how most technologies go through considerable modifications gradually. Implicit in this observation is the understanding that consistent innovation and development are particular of technological fields. When Sternberg keeps in mind that "there are really couple of technologies that basically haven't altered for 60, 70 years", he underscores the rarity and uniqueness of innovations that remain mostly the same over such extended periods.

To interpret this, we need to first consider the rapid rate of technological progress throughout numerous domains, especially considering that the mid-20th century. Fields like computing, medicine, communication, and transport have witnessed profound changes, driven by advancements in research study, products, and techniques. For instance, consider how the computing industry has actually progressed from room-sized mainframes to effective smart devices that fit in our pockets, or how interaction has actually moved from landline telephone services to immediate international connection via the web and smartphones.

When Sternberg discuss technologies that haven't changed much over 60 or 70 years, he's indicating the enduring nature of specific creations or practices, which might include elements that have actually reached a sort of technological stability. These might be due to the lack of a feasible option, the sufficiency of the initial innovation for its designated function, or high barriers to development because specific location. One example can be seen in particular elements of aviation innovation where, regardless of advances in materials and avionics, the fundamental principles of jet engines have actually remained constant.

Furthermore, the quote prompts a reflection on why particular innovations accomplish such durability. This can be attributed to the toughness and flexibility of their initial design, societal or regulative inertia, or their combination into daily life to the point where change may be unnecessary or even disruptive.

In essence, Sternberg's quote is a commentary on the nature of technological development, highlighting the exceptional cases where technologies keep their type over a number of years, prompting concerns about innovation, necessity, and the characteristics of technological change.