Meaning and Essay on “Books are no more threatened by Kindle than stairs by elevators.” – Stephen Fry

The Meaning of Stephen Fry’s Quote

Stephen Fry’s quote, “Books are no more threatened by Kindle than stairs by elevators,” is a metaphor that suggests that the introduction of new technology does not necessarily mean the end of older technologies. Just as an elevator can help people get to higher floors without having to use the stairs, digital books (Kindle) can help readers access books without having to use physical copies. However, both technologies still have their place in society and serve different purposes.

Essay on Stephen Fry’s Quote

In today’s increasingly digital world, it can be easy to assume that traditional methods such as reading physical books are becoming obsolete. Stephen Fry’s quote “Books are no more threatened by Kindle than stairs by elevators” offers a refreshing perspective on this issue. In his analogy between books and staircases and Kindles and elevators, he reminds us that technology does not always lead to the demise of older methods but rather provides an additional option for how we approach tasks or activities like reading. For example, while some people may prefer the convenience of accessing e-books through a device like a Kindle reader, others may still enjoy curling up with a hardcopy book at night before bedtime or giving them away as gifts for special occasions. Ultimately, both forms of literature offer unique experiences for readers and should be seen as complementary instead of competitive forces in our lives.