Meaning: The quote by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, sheds light on the significance of the light bulb in the evolution of modern technology and its impact on the world. Bezos highlights the pivotal role of the light bulb as the "killer app" that paved the way for the widespread adoption of electrical appliances and the wiring of the world. This quote encapsulates the transformative power of a single innovation and the unintended consequences it can have on shaping the future.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the invention and proliferation of the light bulb revolutionized daily life by providing a reliable and efficient source of artificial light. Prior to the widespread adoption of electric lighting, people relied on gas lamps, candles, and oil lamps, which were less convenient, more hazardous, and provided lower illumination. The introduction of the light bulb not only illuminated homes and businesses but also sparked a wave of innovation that ultimately led to the electrification of the world.

The significance of the light bulb as the "killer app" lies in its ability to demonstrate the potential of electricity as a transformative force. While the initial focus was on providing lighting, the infrastructure and systems put in place to support the widespread use of light bulbs laid the groundwork for the electrification of society. The wiring of buildings and cities to accommodate light bulbs inadvertently created the infrastructure necessary for the expansion of electrical power to support a myriad of appliances and devices.

As Bezos points out, the architects of this early electrical infrastructure were not necessarily envisioning the multitude of appliances and technologies that would eventually become reliant on electricity. Instead, their primary goal was to bring the benefits of artificial lighting to homes and businesses. However, the unintended consequence of this endeavor was the creation of a framework that would enable the electrification of society, leading to the development of a vast array of electrical appliances and devices that have become integral to modern life.

The quote also underscores the concept of "unintended consequences" in technological innovation. Often, groundbreaking inventions have far-reaching effects that extend beyond their original purpose. The light bulb serves as a prime example of how a seemingly straightforward innovation can catalyze a cascade of unintended developments, ultimately reshaping the way people live and work.

In conclusion, Jeff Bezos' quote encapsulates the profound impact of the light bulb as the "killer app" that paved the way for the electrification of the world and the subsequent proliferation of electrical appliances. The unintended consequences of this transformative innovation highlight the interconnected nature of technological progress and the far-reaching effects of seemingly simple inventions. The quote serves as a reminder of the profound and often unpredictable ways in which technological advancements can shape the world.