I'm an optimist about humanity in general, I suppose.
The most important thing that was new was the idea of URI-or URL, that any piece of information anywhere should have an identifier, which will allow you to get hold of it.
I myself feel that it is very important that my ISP supplies internet to my house like the water company supplies water to my house. It supplies connectivity with no strings attached.
Web users ultimately want to get at data quickly and easily. They don't care as much about attractive sites and pretty design.
When you go onto the internet, if you really rummage around randomly then how do you hope to find something of any of value?
Anyone who has lost track of time when using a computer knows the propensity to dream, the urge to make dreams come true and the tendency to miss lunch.