A brief history of modularity` by Ashley Williams highlights the importance of modularization in software development, citing its benefits such as reuse of common code, separation of concerns, and easier documentation and testing. However, it also acknowledges the challenges and costs associated with modularization, including increased complexity and the need to evaluate dependencies for security and maintainability. The talk emphasizes that modularization is not just about writing reusable code, but also about creating disposable software that can be easily deleted or modified without affecting other parts of the system. Williams argues that modularization requires a nuanced approach, taking into account the time-based element of change management in software development, where strategies may need to be reassessed over time to determine their effectiveness.