How would you explain modern technology to historical figures?

[BCRanger10]

How would you explain modern technology, thinking, and concepts to someone from history?

Last weekend, I went to a 4th of July event. There was a man there, a local professional actor, who acted as Thomas Jefferson. I was just goofing around with him at first and thought he was too, but he was really truly into it. I started playing along though and tried to figure out how to explain, for example, what television is, what a phone is, things like that.

...and of all things, I forgot to tell him that 220 years later to the day that America would save the world from aliens, and that the president would lead the charge 😬😆

Anyway the point is, how would you explain modern technology to someone from history? How would you explain what a movie is to William Shakespeare, a cell phone to Thomas Aquinas, or the internet to Richard III?

[NathanDavis]

a lot of them were way smarter than us... so, I am sure it would not be the biggest issue, to explain science and technology to them

the problem would be... what kind of religious people they would be

the one that's fascinated and educated... or the kind of religious that's a fanatic and eager to start a fire and point fingers at me...

[exitseven]

Good question. I work in IT and often have to explain new technology to people with little of no computer experience. I use analogies and try to find out a personal point of reference I can use to explain it.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[sage2021]

I would have to be educated myself to be able to give him the graphics in his mind.

All of that is too intricate - especially the telephone! ☎️ With all of the wires etc.

I think that I would like to try to explain how 18 wheeler trucks drive on our highways with no driver and not crash.
Yeah really! It's a thing!!

[purplepoppy]

Explaining what something does is easy

TV, a mirror like object that reflects the past. It enables people to watch plays performed yesterday in their homes today.

But explaining how they work is more difficult. We've all got an idea how a TV operates but how many of us can build one?

[Agape93]

Depends, from thaumaturgy or alchemical concepts, to similar witch craft. Depends on time and people's

[jshm2]

I wouldn't, as it would serve no purpose.