Books are just one form of text. There are plenty of others. Everybody who knows how to read books also knows how to write at least something.

It's not true for software. There are plenty of people who can use some applications, but can't write any application, even as simple as a helloworld.

I actually had the same thaught. Learning to read or even basic writing doesn't compare to the skill and effort it takes to write something interesting, let alone a novel. You just know enough to consume what others have written. Basically the same as learning to use an iPad.

What a profoundly ridiculous comparison.

Genius comparison. I don't think the evolution of tech caused the current situation. Proprietary code does :)

Only free software could change it. I hear a lot of people feeling entitled to bash RMS, but it happens because they don't get the big picture.