A Speed Limit for Computers: Finding Conviviality in Restraint

A Speed Limit for Computers

Drawing on Ivan Illich's theories, I argue that unlimited computing power erodes autonomy just as excessive vehicle speed creates traffic inequality. While we accept speed limits for cars, we lack a 'bicycle for the mind' in tech. I propose a new class of restrained computers, similar to the e-bike, that prioritize social progress and community infrastructure over raw performance to counter the dominance of giants like Meta and Anthropic.

"From our limited information it appears that everywhere in the world, after some vehicle broke the speed barrier of 15 mph, time scarcity related to traffic began to grow."