Comment by calinet6

> the start-up world's programmers--all of them--are sharpening knives.

This is an astute observation—that is what we're all doing. But we've become so comfortable creating and sharpening knives that no one has dared make the cut. We're sharpening knives, sure, but that's all we're doing.

There are big things out there waiting to be built. An integrated social system that actually works, and fits within people's lives in a natural way that Facebook and twitter simply don't. There's room to bring in all of our connected experiences in the same way a great chef creates a seven course meal. Artfully. Human. I don't personally believe software has seen the magnum opus of which it is capable, yet.

I loved this article because it's so right. We're all so spoiled that we haven't been able to build the Great Wonder of the Internet. We're just making stones in a disorganized fashion. I have this feeling of desperation that I can barely explain, but I think that like most people who can just see a glimmer of the wonders we could be building, I am too comfortable where I am to act on it and create something truly grand.

Sharpening knives, creating better knives, sorting our knives, admiring our collection of knives. Someday they'll be used for the great art that is bound to come, because it's possible, and like countless cultures before us, we feel compelled to complete what we know is possible.