If access to knowledge is expensive, it will be limited. Better distribution of knowledge democratizes the political process. As news delivery is sped and spread it becomes more useful to a society. Many advances in knowledge have been made by generalists. Translation, or lack of it, tends to splinter knowledge.
Growth of knowledge leads to specialization and branching.
Distribution of knowledge to more people, at a quicker pace speeds development at all level of society. The internet will balance this trend.