Michael
S. Hart was originally an author, but he is now best known for his invention of the electronic
books, or eBooks. Michael Hart is also known as the founder of "Project
Gutenberg" which is meant to encourage the distribution of eBooks. Hart
was born on March 8, 1947 in Tacoma, Washington. He studied at the University of Illinois and graduated in two years, where he came up with the idea of “Project Gutenberg” and this is where it flourished.
This is also how the invention of eBooks was started. At the University of Illinois, Hart was given unlimited computer time on what was like a large Xerox type of computer. Hart tried many things with this unlimited computer time, but it wasn’t until he was given a copy of The Declaration of Independence at a local grocery store that he found his inspiration. He typed the text onto the computer and made it available to download. It was only after six people downloaded his text that the first eBook was created.
Hart was considered a futurist and technologist because of his interest with technology.
According to his Obituary, Hart “constantly looked to the future, to anticipate technological advances.” He really looked up to his parents who were both professors at the University of Illinois and inspired him every day. Some unusual aspects about Michael Hart’s life are that he “glided through life with many possessions and friends, but very few expenses.” Instead of taking medicine when he was sick, or bringing his car to the body shop when it broke down, he did everything on his own. He preferred home remedies to taking medicine and going to the doctor when he was sick. He also would fix his own cars and home when things were broken or wrong. He was more of a do-it-yourself type of guy, and I think that is what made him be able to invent such a great thing like the eBook. Hart also built many radios and computers on his own. His desire to do things on his own is why I really believe he is a futurist and a very smart, advanced man.
As mentioned above earlier, Hart is
no longer alive. Michael Hart passed away on September 6, 2011 in his home in
Illinois. He was 64 years old when he passed away. It is said that he passed
away due to a heart attack. Hart can truly be considered a wonderful man of his
lifetime. Without him we would not have what we know today to be eBooks. Something wonderful that Hart said on his
personal website that I really find inspiring is “If what you did yesterday
still seems great today, then your goals for tomorrow are not big enough.” I
really find true motivation and inspiration in these words that Hart has said
and I think that he really was a legend that many people can look up to. We all
have him to thank for the wonderful creation of eBooks.
I had never heard of Michael Hart before I read this blog post which adds interest to the piece. The story of how he created the first ebook was very informative, and I was glad to know where Project Gutenberg came from because I have used it so many times. What I would have preferred from this ePortfolio post would be more about how Project Gutenberg made an impact. Why do people use the site? Are there are sites that are similar and have had the same success? Instead, what I got from this post is more of a biography of his life. While using his obituary as a source is creditable, I think other sources could have been found that had a happier focus. I really enjoyed the specific quotation used in this post because I felt they were relevant to me and I’m sure you (Jenny) as college students. Again, they did not have much to do with online books, but they were very inspirational. Something I walked away wondering was what would he do as a 65-year-old today. Since he died so young he probably did not get to accomplish everything he could have done. What would his next big idea be?
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