This provocative book introduces a brand-new view of technology. It suggests that technology as a whole is not a jumble of wires and metal but a living, evolving organism that has its own unconscious needs and tendencies. Kevin Kelly looks out through the eyes of this global technological system to discover "what it wants." He uses vivid examples from the past to trace technology's long course and then follows a dozen trajectories of technology into the near future to project where technology is headed. This new theory of technology offers three practical lessons: By listening to what technology wants we can better prepare ourselves and our children for the inevitable technologies to come. By adopting the principles of proaction and engagement, we can steer technologies into their best roles. And by aligning ourselves with the long-term imperatives of this near-living system, we can capture its full gifts. Written in intelligent and accessible language, this is a fascinating, innovative, and optimistic look at how humanity and technology join to produce increasing opportunities in the world and how technology can give our lives greater meaning.
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"Very interesting book. I enjoyed it. Pretty hardcore nerdy philosophy. Kelly puts forth the theory that all human technologies ("the technium") have an intrinsic order to them. Talks about "the singularity", the acceleration of computational power, our place in the universe, and "what technology wants"." — A.J. (4 out of 5 stars)
"Very interesting book. I enjoyed it. Pretty hardcore nerdy philosophy. Kelly puts forth the theory that all human technologies ("the technium") have an intrinsic order to them. Talks about "the singularity", the acceleration of computational power, our place in the universe, and "what technology wants"."
A sharp-eyed study of our abiding need for cars, computers and gadgets.
" Really fascinating. Kelly compares advances in technology to evolution. Interesting to think about the implications of the technologies we use and how we can make the best use of them. "
" Ugh. I don't often give up on a book so early but this guy really pushed my off button. In the opening statements he made sure to state how brilliant he was and that he was even smarter than the rest of us from the time he was 10 years old. Yes, this 10 year old could forsee mans enslavement to technology. He reasons that because he can live bumming across country on a bike and yearns to live like the omish that the rest of us are imbiciles. What a bomb. "
" Had to return to ILL. Not worth renewing. Overly optimistic and very laborious. Did raise some interesting questions and discussion, though. Definitely worth a skim. "
" Technology is an extension of life, of this crazy self-organizing tendency of the universe. "
" Ambitious, expansive book by one of my favorite tech futurists, Kevin Kelly. It covers everything from The Big Bang Theory to evolution to AI and more. Very thought-provoking, highly recommend anyone involved in the tech scene read it. "
" Found the section on how the Amish engage technology fascinating . . . "
" Mind-blowing. You'll never be the same after reading this book. I can't recommend it enough. "
" Book is filled with fascinating details about evolution and the rise of technology. I can't go all the way in agreement with the author's conclusions, but it was a fun and enlightening read. "
" Thought provoking and expansive. "
" As brilliant as expected. "
" if you were into "concept" and "theory" in school and are interested in technology and/or sociology, this is a pretty interesting read. i think it will seem very dated in about 10 years, but for now, it's fairly fascinating. "
" With the caveat of hating the use of quotes by the Uni-bomber, this was a thoughtful read, full of data to use in surprising way. Great for book club and for long ride with engineering husband. "
" I never got engaged or intrigued by the points that the author was trying to make, so I just gave up. I have better things to read. "
" Arguments seemed contrived to me. "
" I wanted to like it. I really did at first, too. It's an interesting blend of sociology and biology and technology and chemistry. Unfortunately, it just drug on and on till I gave up...and I wasn't even half way through. I would love an abridged version, I think. "
" could have had better argumentative style, but interesting concepts overall "
" This has given me a new perspective on how to view technology, and how I consider its use in my daily life. I read this in parallel to reading Guns, Germs, and Steel, and almost felt as though I was reading the same book. "
Kevin Kelly helped launch Wired magazine and was its executive editor for nearly seven years. He has written for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Economist. His books include Out of Control and the bestselling New Rules for a New Economy. Kelly lives in Pacifica, California.
Paul Boehmer is an American actor best known for his numerous appearances in the Star Trek universe, in addition to Frasier, Judging Amy, Guiding Light, and All My Children. He is a 1992 Masters of Fine Arts graduate of the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Delaware. As a narrator, Paul has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards as well as an Audie Award.
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