I thought this was interesting, but I disagree with the premise. In the software world, the equivalent of building a machine shop from scratch is called bootstr

I thought this was interesting, but I disagree with the premise. In the software world, the equivalent of building a machine shop from scratch is called bootstrapping. The first programs are written in an assembly language which is difficult for humans to read or write. These first programs generally facilitate a higher level of abstraction; a compiler or interpreter for a more human readable programming language. This second generation of tools allows for quicker development cycles, leading to even better tools. For instance, the C language led to Unix[1] which led to the Internet which led to a combinatorial explosion of software. It works the same way in physical reality - with each generation of development, the act of creation inches closer to pure thought. It's called progress. If you can't keep up, I don't care. A similar phenomenon happens to human beings. Societal developments insulate us from the hardship of actually being self-sufficient. It's easier to be prosperous now than ever before in history, and it's made us all incredibly soft. Grab a kitchen knife and try to kill a squirrel before you start planning your post-apocalyptic charcoal forge. 1. I realize that Unix sort of begat C, but that doesn't really change anything.