Funny - the author divides hand-held images through history as work-related (the people) vs authority-related (the ruling class) e.g. swords, books.  Then they go on to wonder why the iPhone is the great equalizer, since it is work-related and the rich and poor alike hold one.<p>I wonder why a phone is arbitrarily labeled work-related, and not ruling-related. It serves to free us from communication tethers, allow entertainment&#x2F;socialization anywhere, give instructions and get advice. More like a ruling class tool than a shovel.