How do human choices and evolutionary pressures shape the trajectory of information technology throughout history? Paul Levinson, a noted philosopher and historian of media, utilizes a framework of technological evolution to argue that communication tools are not merely passive inventions but active agents that influence societal development. By examining the history of media from early writing systems to modern digital networks, he posits that human agency remains the critical factor in determining how these technologies are adopted and integrated into daily life.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of media ecology. Readers often note the accessible prose style, which successfully translates complex academic theories into a coherent narrative for a general audience.