PART 1 · CHAPTER 07 · Where We Actually Are

Why It Feels Late (But Isn't)

The noise convinces you that you've missed it. The substance says you have barely arrived.

Preview map · Updated July 16, 2026

WHAT THIS PAGE CONTAINS

A title, the published opening thesis and the chapter's section headings. The argument, evidence, examples and full prose remain in the book.

The chapter's route

  1. 01Talk Saturates First
  2. 02The Crowd at the Entrance
  3. 03Visible Winners Distort the Clock
  4. 04The Hype Cycle Is Not the Technology
  5. 05The Difference Between Demonstration and Deployment
  6. 06The Empty Rooms Are Specific
  7. 07Why the First Inning Is Not Over
  8. 08The Psychology of Feeling Late
  9. 09What Signal Looks Like
  10. 10The Giants Are Not the Whole Story
  11. 11Historical Time Moves Slowly at First
  12. 12The Practical Test
  13. 13The Best Possible News
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