Meaning: The quote "Project Xanadu is essentially my trademark. It was originally, and has returned to my arms as that." by Ted Nelson, the author, refers to a long-standing and influential project in the history of computing and hypertext. Ted Nelson is a prominent computer scientist, philosopher, and pioneer in the field of information technology. The quote captures the deep personal connection Nelson has with the project and underscores its significance in his life's work.

The concept of Project Xanadu was first conceived by Ted Nelson in the 1960s as a vision for a global hypertext system. The name "Xanadu" is derived from the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which describes an idyllic and fantastical place. In a similar vein, Nelson envisioned Xanadu as an interconnected and boundless network of information, where users could access, share, and link documents in a non-linear fashion.

The project aimed to address the limitations of traditional document management systems by introducing the idea of "transclusion," which refers to the dynamic inclusion of content from one document into another. This concept was revolutionary at the time and laid the foundation for the hypertext systems and the World Wide Web that followed.

Ted Nelson's quote reflects his enduring dedication to the vision of Project Xanadu. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks over the years, Nelson has remained committed to realizing his ambitious vision of a universal and interconnected information system. The phrase "returned to my arms" suggests a sense of reunion and reaffirmation, indicating that Project Xanadu remains a central and defining aspect of Nelson's professional identity and legacy.

The quote also highlights the personal and emotional investment Nelson has in the project. For him, Project Xanadu is not just a technical endeavor, but a profound and deeply meaningful pursuit that has shaped his career and intellectual journey. Its significance as his "trademark" underscores the unique and indelible mark that Project Xanadu has left on Nelson's life and work.

Despite the fact that Project Xanadu has not achieved the widespread adoption and impact that Nelson originally envisioned, its influence on the development of hypertext and information technology cannot be overstated. The project has inspired generations of researchers, programmers, and thinkers, contributing to the evolution of the internet and digital media.

In conclusion, Ted Nelson's quote encapsulates the enduring significance of Project Xanadu in his life and the broader landscape of computing and information technology. It reflects his unwavering commitment to a visionary idea that has left an indelible mark on the history of hypertext and continues to inspire new generations of innovators in the digital age.