The document discusses the evolution of information sharing from cave paintings to the internet and semantic web. It argues that open networks like the World Wide Web have been more successful than closed systems because they allow for greater participation and network effects. The semantic web will further transform how information, machines, and people are connected by linking structured data. Open data is more important than open source code because data lasts longer. The goal is to enrich lives through access to information, not just build a web of data.