What I Learned from Esperanto

Last week I wrote a blog entry about the lessons that Twitter must learn from Esperanto in order to become the "pulse of the planet." Although the intent of the post had a pretty common theme - learn from the past to succeed in the future - I received an unexpectedly loud response from Esperanto speakers and followers. It was fascinating to see what I perceived to be an esoteric and niche subject receive so much support.

This little experience taught me a few things. Here is what I learned:

• Any movement/knowledge/method/language that's existed for nearly 150 years clearly has innate value that shouldn't be underestimated.
• The Internet gives any group, new or old, large or small, the ability to organize, mobilize, and experience new growth. Although this might seem trite, it's so powerful that it can't be ignored and can't be talked about enough.
• As new content is created at all times on all subjects, real-time search and notification is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
• The Internet disproportionately magnifies the value of knowledge and communication - effort seems to be the most important tool of any movement.
• I need to write about Esperanto more often.

Although I still believe that Esperanto hasn't succeeded in fulfilling its primary goal - to become the global second language - it is still very much alive and kicking.