'We're on the cusp of something exhilarating': David Bowie on the Internet, in the year 2000
LONDON — Whatever David Bowie did, whether musically or in fashion, acting or politics, it always seemed to come from the future. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that the late singer predicted the power and potential of the Internet while the rest of us were looking the other way.
In a wide-ranging interview with professional griller Jeremy Paxman, Bowie eloquently praises the nascent technology. “It carries the flag of being subversive and possibly rebellious and chaotic and nihilistic,” he says around halfway through the clip above.
“What is it specifically about the Internet?” Paxman asks in return. “I mean anybody can say anything and it all adds up to what?”
“I don’t think we’ve even seen the tip of the iceberg,” Bowie says. “I think the potential of what the Internet is going to do to society both good and bad is unimaginable. I think we’re on the cusp of something exhilarating and terrifying.”
“It’s just a tool though isn’t it?” Paxman responses. “No it’s not, it’s an alien life form,” Bowie responds with a husky laugh. “Is there life on Mars? Yes, it’s just landed here.”
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