The Shocking Origins of Dynamite, Anarchy & the Surveillance State

Steven Johnson returns! He's with us today to talk about his new book, "The Infernal Machine: A True Story of Dynamite, Terror, and the Rise of the Modern Detective," and his new day job helping Google develop AI tools for writers.
Steven Johnson delves into the historical impact of anarchist in his latest book, "The Infernal Machine" shedding light on its connections to modern surveillance. Explore how Alfred Nobel's dynamite revolutionized engineering while inadvertently birthing terrorism. Dive into the rise of the surveillance state prompted by anarchist. Gain insights into modern law enforcement's roots influenced by Hoover's filing system experience. Explore the interconnectedness of present choices shaping future history and the nature of innovation. Plus, learn the significance of nurturing slow hunches for breakthrough ideas.
"The Infernal Machine" is available now on Amazon: amzn.to/3z1yoF3
00:32 Steven Johnson explores anarchist violence in his book, shedding light on its historical impact.
08:55 Alfred Nobel's dynamite invention revolutionized engineering but also birthed terrorism.
15:28 ️ Anarchism, inspired by Kropotkin, advocates for cooperative societies.
22:05 The relationship of Goldman and Berkman reflects debates within anarchism.
29:41 Anarchists prompted the rise of the surveillance state.
36:21 Hoover's experience with filing systems influenced modern law enforcement.
47:51 Present choices shape future history.
48:33 Innovation often arises simultaneously across disconnected labs.
50:41 Innovations can be inevitable or require specific individuals to push through resistance.
59:37 Slow hunches emphasize recording and revisiting initial inspirations.
🔊 You can listen to Steven's previous appearances on this show here (podcasts.apple...) , here (podcasts.apple...) , here (podcasts.apple...) and here (podcasts.apple...)
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📩 Be sure to check out his Substack, too: adjacentpossib...
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🎯 Key points for quick navigation:
00:32 *📜 Steven Johnson explores anarchist violence in his book, shedding light on its historical impact.*
08:55 *💣 Alfred Nobel's dynamite invention revolutionized engineering but also birthed terrorism.*
15:28 *🏞️ Anarchism, inspired by Kropotkin, advocates for cooperative societies.*
22:05 *💔 The relationship of Goldman and Berkman reflects debates within anarchism.*
29:41 *🚔 Anarchist terrorism prompted the rise of the surveillance state.*
36:21 *📚 Hoover's experience with filing systems influenced modern law enforcement.*
47:51 *🔄 Present choices shape future history.*
48:33 *🌍 Innovation often arises simultaneously across disconnected labs.*
50:41 *💡 Innovations can be inevitable or require specific individuals to push through resistance.*
59:37 *🤔 Slow hunches emphasize recording and revisiting initial inspirations.*
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