Once upon a time The Web site of aleph by Michael Chorost existed, but has since ceased. These texts represent a small measure of its content. Image from the short story ARI-L by Caza.

The very first people to do something often do it exceptionally well

Being at the origin seems to confer unusual freshness and power. The first book ever printed is still considered a masterpiece of printing. Shakespeare was one of the earliest dramatic playwrights. Six out of seven of the first lunar missions arrived and achieved all of their goals. It is as if they succeeded because they did not know the limits later generations took for granted. Naivete may be a rare gift. In many cases it is used well.