Blood in the Machine
Ratings4
Average rating4.5
15
Ratings4
Average rating4.5
The "rich and gripping" true story of the first time machines came for human jobs—and how the Luddite uprising explains the power, threat, and toll of big tech and AI today (Naomi Klein) The most urgent story in modern tech begins not in Silicon Valley but two hundred years ago in rural England, when workers known as the Luddites rose up rather than starve at the hands of factory owners who were using automated machines to erase their livelihoods. The Luddites organized guerrilla raids to smash those machines—on punishment of death—and won the support of Lord Byron, enraged the Prince Regent, and inspired the birth of science fiction. This all-but-forgotten class struggle brought nineteenth-century England to its knees. Today, technology imperils millions of jobs, robots are crowding factory floors, and artificial intelligence will soon pervade every aspect of our economy. How will this change the way we live? And what can we do about it? The answers lie in Blood in the Machine. Brian Merchant intertwines a lucid examination of our current age with the story of the Luddites, showing how automation changed our world—and is shaping our future.
Reviews with the most likes.
Tracing the Techlash: A Comprehensive Look at the Roots of the Backlash Against Big Tech
“Blood in the Machine” is a well-researched and timely exploration of the growing backlash against the unrestrained power of big tech companies. Author Brian Merchant does an excellent job tracing the origins of this rebellion, delving deep into the historical, social, and economic factors that have fueled the public's increasing discontent.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to synthesize a complex web of issues - from privacy violations and monopolistic practices to the erosion of worker rights and the corrosive influence of tech on democracy. Merchant's narrative is both engaging and meticulously detailed, painting a comprehensive picture of how big tech's unchecked ambition and influence have sparked a populist uprising.
The book's primary weakness is that, at times, it can feel a bit overwhelming with the sheer amount of information presented. Merchant covers a lot of ground, and readers may occasionally find themselves wishing for a more streamlined or focused approach.
However, this minor quibble does not detract from the overall quality and importance of “Blood in the Machine.” Merchant's work is a crucial contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role and regulation of big tech in our society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex forces shaping the current techlash and the potential paths forward.
Overall, “Blood in the Machine” is a well-crafted, thoroughly researched, and thought-provoking exploration of a critical issue of our time. While it may not be an easy read, it is an essential one for anyone who cares about the future of technology and its impact on our lives.
