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In the **Rails Conf 2013 Keynote**, speaker **James Duncan Davidson** explores the intersection of technology and creativity through his experiences and travels. The main theme revolves around the idea of connectivity and how technology enables diverse cultures and communities to interact and express themselves across the globe.

Key points discussed include:
- **Personal Experiences**: Davidson shares anecdotes about his travels, including a visit to Tunisia, where he reflects on the significance of the movie set of Mos Eisley from *Star Wars*, tying it to the local culture and economy that includes smuggling and connectivity despite poverty.
- **Comparative Insights**: He contrasts his experiences in Tunisia with Cuba, noting how technology, particularly the internet, plays a critical role in shaping modern societies even in places with restrictive regimes. He discusses the preparation of Cuban youth to embrace digital connectivity once restrictions lessen. 
- **Historical Context**: Davidson highlights the importance of the **20th anniversary of the World Wide Web**, reminiscing about the early days of the internet and how it has evolved beyond simple static pages to complex, interactive mediums.
- **Technological Evolution**: He discusses the transition from initial web constructs (like CGI scripting) to more advanced frameworks (such as Ruby on Rails) and cloud technologies (AWS, CDNs), emphasizing how they have democratized access to resources for developers, enabling creativity and innovation.
- **Social Impact**: Davidson draws connections between technology and societal changes, illustrating how platforms like Twitter were pivotal during the Arab Spring, showcasing the power of technology to drive social movements.
- **Value Creation**: He ends with a call to action for developers and creators to focus on creating value for the world rather than merely for profit, resonating with Tim O'Reilly’s idea of creating more value than captured.

In conclusion, Davidson's keynote inspires attendees to leverage technological advancements for social good, encouraging a mindset that values connectivity and creativity on a global scale, reflecting on how technology can be an enabler of meaningful change in society.

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