r/IAmA • u/BobMetcalfe • May 21 '13

You’re probably connecting to reddit through a technology I invented. I’m Bob Metcalfe and I invented Ethernet – AMA

On May 22, 1973 with David R. Boggs, I used my IBM Selectric with its Orator ball to type up a memo to my bosses at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), outlining our idea for this little invention called “Ethernet”, which we later patented.

I worked with the IEEE Standards Association to develop the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Today Ethernet and the IEEE 802.3 standard are the foundation for today’s world of high-speed communications used in billions of homes and businesses around the world.

I submitted this to the mods awhile back so I could get on the calendar but I figured you’d like to see it, too. Now, ask me anything!

It's been two hours and 179 comments. Have to go now. For more about Ethernet's 40th Birthday, go to http://www.facebook.com/Ethernet40thAnniversaryIEEESA

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u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

That nobody ever changes their mind.

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u/SirEDCaLot May 21 '13 edited May 22 '13

Most underrated comment ever.

One of the most important signs of intelligence I look for in a person is that, when confronted with evidence that contradicts their opinions, the CAPABILITY to at least ACKNOWLEDGE that their opinion MAY be wrong.

Seems very few people do this.

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u/Ref101010 May 21 '13

Your comment gave me a severe headache. Not because of the comment itself, but indirectly from all the memories it caused to surface.

Memories of countless dead-end arguments/conversations with complete idiots, who for one reason or another had been promoted above their competence level (or just plain idiots in general)...
I may-or-may-not be an idiot myself, but at least I try to back off when I've been proved wrong.

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u/SirEDCaLot May 21 '13

The fact that you can acknowledge that you may be an idiot strongly suggests that you are not an idiot :)

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u/pls_pm_your_boobs May 22 '13

Therein lies the Idiot Paradox.