Meaning: The quote by Ted Nelson reflects his inner conflict between pursuing a career as a filmmaker and his desire to make a significant intellectual contribution to a yet-to-be-invented field. This quote encapsulates the essence of Nelson's innovative and forward-thinking approach to technology and intellectual pursuits.

Ted Nelson is a prominent figure in computer science and information technology, known for coining the term "hypertext" and for his work on Project Xanadu, an early vision of a global hypertext system. His quote reflects his multifaceted interests and ambitions, as well as his belief in the power of technology to shape the future.

Nelson's aspiration to become a filmmaker highlights his creative inclinations and passion for visual storytelling. This creative impulse likely fueled his early endeavors in envisioning new ways of organizing and accessing information, as evidenced by his groundbreaking work on hypertext and the concept of a nonlinear, interconnected system of information.

At the same time, Nelson's self-identification as an intellectual speaks to his deep-rooted desire to engage in rigorous thinking and to contribute meaningfully to the world of ideas. His recognition of his capacity to make a contribution to a field not yet invented illustrates his visionary mindset and willingness to embrace the unknown and unexplored realms of knowledge and technology.

The phrase "a contribution to some field, as yet, not invented" encapsulates Nelson's belief in the potential for groundbreaking innovation and the emergence of entirely new domains of human endeavor. It reflects his willingness to look beyond existing boundaries and to imagine possibilities that transcend conventional disciplines and paradigms.

Nelson's quote also underscores the interconnectedness of creativity, intellectual curiosity, and technological innovation. His recognition of his dual identity as a filmmaker and an intellectual suggests a holistic approach to knowledge and creation, where artistic expression and intellectual inquiry are not mutually exclusive but can inform and enrich each other.

In the context of Nelson's career and contributions to the field of computer science, this quote serves as a testament to his pioneering spirit and his relentless pursuit of novel ideas and solutions. His visionary outlook has had a lasting impact on the development of digital technology, particularly in the realm of information organization, accessibility, and interconnectedness.

Overall, Ted Nelson's quote captures the essence of his multidimensional identity as a creative thinker, an intellectual explorer, and a trailblazer in the realm of technology and information. It reflects his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and his belief in the power of human imagination to shape the future.