Description
Book Synopsis: Longlisted for the Financial Times Business Book of the Year 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.
Details
Are you concerned about the impact of big tech and AI on our society today? Look no further than "Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech." This gripping true story delves into the first time machines came for human jobs and the Luddite uprising that ensued. Longlisted for the Financial Times Business Book of the Year, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the power and threat of technology.
Unlike other books that focus solely on Silicon Valley, "Blood in the Machine" takes us back two hundred years ago to rural England. In an era when factory owners were using automated machines to replace workers and their livelihoods, the Luddites fought back rather than starve. Organizing guerrilla raids and even facing punishment of death, the Luddites captured the attention of Lord Byron, enraged the Prince Regent, and even inspired the birth of science fiction.
But what does this forgotten struggle have to do with the present? Today, we face a similar situation with technology jeopardizing countless jobs, robots taking over factory floors, and artificial intelligence seeping into every aspect of our economy. How will this revolution change our lives? What can we do to adapt and thrive?
Brian Merchant skillfully weaves together an insightful examination of our current age with the extraordinary tale of the Luddite rebellion. He shows us how automation has already transformed our world and how it will continue to shape our future. With "Blood in the Machine," you'll gain invaluable insights into the technology-driven changes impacting our society and discover potential paths forward.
If you're ready to unveil the hidden history of the Luddites and unravel the mysteries of our tech-dominated future, don't miss this captivating book. Get your copy of "Blood in the Machine" today!
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