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In 1991 Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. It’s a simple statement which wouldn’t be out of place in The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. It’s remarkable for thee reasons. Firstly it was only sixteen years ago. Secondly it’s probably the biggest single invention since the internal combustion engine and thirdly it didn’t lead to even a fraction of the vast personal wealth realised by others who used it as a tool later on.
But invent it he did, whilst working at CERN. He described it as an ‘internet-based hypermedia initiative for global information sharing’. "The original idea for the web was that it should be a collaborative space where you can communicate through sharing information. The idea was that by writing together people could iron out “misunderstanding." So pure were his intentions in fact that, having achieved them, he donated his invention to the world for ‘the good of mankind’.
Berners-Lee graduated from Oxford University in 1976. Whilst there he built his first computer with a soldering iron and an old television. He was banned from using the University computer at around the same time for hacking.
Since changing the world Tim has been honored hundreds of times by scientific institutions across the globe. With publications like Time magazine naming him as one of the top 20 thinkers of the 20th Century. On 16th July 2004 Tim was given a knighthood for services to the global development of the Internet.
This program is built round a new and exclusive interview with Tim Berners-Lee as he considers the impact of his brainchild. We also hear from those who worked alongside him and those who’ve used his work in profound ways.
Send us your comments
- What big ideas do you wish you'd thought of?
- What does the internet mean to you?
- How has the web changed your life?
- What one website couldn't you live without?
- If you could ask Tim Berners-Lee one question what would it be?
Send us your comments now - and we may feature some of your thoughts later in the series.
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