Meaning: This quote by Joichi Ito, a prominent entrepreneur and venture capitalist, captures the essence of the changing dynamics in the modern information age. It emphasizes the shifting focus from the mere delivery of content to the value of discovery, remixing, and directing attention to existing information. In essence, it underscores the importance of those who curate and repurpose content, rather than those who simply deliver or hoard it.

The concept of "discovery" in this context refers to the act of finding and unearthing valuable information or content in a landscape that is saturated with data and media. It highlights the significance of individuals or entities that are able to sift through the noise and identify meaningful and relevant content. This could encompass anything from uncovering forgotten or overlooked ideas, to repurposing existing content in new and innovative ways.

Furthermore, the notion of "remixing" underscores the value of creativity and reinterpretation. In a world inundated with information, the ability to take existing material and transform it into something fresh and engaging is highly valuable. This could involve combining different ideas, perspectives, or media to create something entirely new and impactful.

The quote also emphasizes the importance of "directing attention" to old or existing content. In an age of information overload, the ability to curate and draw focus to valuable but overlooked material is crucial. This could involve leveraging platforms, networks, or strategies to bring attention to content that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The contrast drawn between "delivery" and "discovery" is particularly significant. Traditionally, the emphasis has been placed on the delivery of information or content to audiences. However, in today's digital landscape, where an abundance of content is readily available, the act of delivery alone is no longer sufficient. Instead, the focus has shifted towards the value added through discovery, remixing, and curation.

The quote also critiques the passive approach of those who merely deliver or hoard content, waiting for someone else to take notice. It suggests that the real value lies in the proactive engagement with information and content, whether through finding, remixing, or directing attention to it. This aligns with the broader shift towards participatory and interactive forms of engagement with content, as opposed to passive consumption.

In today's digital economy, the role of content creators, curators, and remixers has become increasingly important. Platforms such as social media, blogs, and content-sharing websites have enabled individuals and organizations to not only deliver content but also participate in its discovery, remixing, and curation. This has led to the rise of influencers, content curators, and digital marketers who excel in these areas.

From a business perspective, this quote carries significant implications for content strategy, marketing, and audience engagement. It underscores the value of creating and curating content that is conducive to discovery and remixing, rather than simply focusing on delivery. It also highlights the importance of actively directing attention to valuable content, as opposed to passively waiting for it to be noticed.

In conclusion, Joichi Ito's quote encapsulates the evolving nature of content consumption and engagement in the digital age. It emphasizes the importance of discovery, remixing, and attention direction, while critiquing the passive approach to content delivery. In a world where information is abundant, the ability to find, repurpose, and draw attention to existing content has become an increasingly valuable skill and endeavor.