Meaning: The quote "Oh my goodness gracious, what you can buy off the Internet in terms of overhead photography. A trained ape can know an awful lot of what is going on in this world, just by punching on his mouse, for a relatively modest cost" by Donald Rumsfeld, a politician, reflects the profound impact of the internet and technology on access to information and the ability to gather intelligence from remote locations. This quote was made in the context of the increasing accessibility of satellite imagery and other forms of overhead photography that were becoming available for purchase on the internet.

Rumsfeld's reference to "overhead photography" highlights the advancements in satellite technology and the widespread availability of satellite imagery that was previously only accessible to governments and large organizations. The quote suggests that with the proliferation of such imagery on the internet, individuals could gain access to a wealth of visual information about different parts of the world.

The phrase "A trained ape can know an awful lot of what is going on in this world" is an attention-grabbing and somewhat controversial statement. Rumsfeld appears to be emphasizing the ease with which individuals, irrespective of their background or qualifications, can access and interpret information from the internet. The use of the term "trained ape" may be seen as an exaggeration or a metaphor for the idea that anyone with basic internet skills can gather significant knowledge about global events and developments.

The phrase "just by punching on his mouse, for a relatively modest cost" underscores the simplicity and affordability of accessing such information. Rumsfeld's choice of words conveys the idea that with just a few clicks of a mouse, individuals can access a vast amount of visual data and information about the world, all at a relatively low cost.

This quote is significant as it captures the democratizing effect of the internet and technology on information access. It highlights how individuals, regardless of their background or expertise, can utilize the internet to gain insights and knowledge that were once the domain of specialized professionals or institutions. The quote also reflects the increasing role of technology in shaping the way we perceive and understand the world around us.

Furthermore, Rumsfeld's quote raises important questions about the implications of this widespread access to information. It prompts considerations about the potential for misuse or misinterpretation of data, as well as the ethical and privacy concerns related to the availability of overhead photography and other forms of visual intelligence.

In conclusion, Donald Rumsfeld's quote encapsulates the transformative impact of the internet and technology on information access and intelligence gathering. It underscores the unprecedented accessibility of overhead photography and other visual data, highlighting the empowerment of individuals to gain insights into global events and developments. However, it also raises important considerations about the responsible use and interpretation of such information in an increasingly interconnected and technologically-driven world.