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From Counterculture to Cyberculture
327 pages, 2008
Fred Turner explores the fascinating link between the counterculture of the 1960s and the rise of cyberculture. He shows how the ideals of the counterculture, such as freedom, creativity, and decentralization, influenced the development of the internet and digital technology.
Turner digs into the life of Stewart Brand, a key figure in the transition from counterculture to cyberculture. Brand's Whole Earth Catalog, a publication that promoted self-sufficiency and ecological responsibility, played a significant role in shaping the ethos of the digital age.
The book takes a look at the New Communalists, a group that emerged from the counterculture movement. Turner explains how their communal living experiments and their embrace of technology as a tool for social change laid the groundwork for the collaborative, networked culture of the internet.
Turner's research shows how the utopian ideals of the counterculture were transformed into the digital utopianism of the cyberculture. He explores how the belief in the liberating potential of technology has shaped the development of the internet and digital media.
Finally, Turner helps us see how the legacy of the counterculture continues to influence today's digital culture. From the way we communicate and collaborate online, to our attitudes towards technology and its potential to change the world, the counterculture's influence is still very much alive.
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Turner's book is a compelling exploration of the connection between the counterculture of the 1960s and the birth of the digital age. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of technology and culture.
Clay Shirky - Internet SociologistTurner's work is a fascinating deep dive into the roots of the digital revolution. It's a crucial read for understanding the cultural and technological shifts of our time.
Howard Rheingold - Cyberculture PioneerFrom Counterculture to Cyberculture provides a profound insight into the cultural transformation brought about by the digital age. Turner's book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand our digital world.
Sherry Turkle - Social Studies ScientistTurner's book brilliantly traces the lineage from the counterculture of the 60s to today's digital world. It's a fascinating journey that anyone interested in technology and culture should embark on.
Kevin Kelly - Digital Culture EditorTurner's book is a masterful exploration of the cultural and technological shifts that have shaped our digital age. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and culture.
Jaron Lanier - Computer Philosophy Writer