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Hackers

520 pages, 2010

technology

technology

392 books
business & management

business & management

1082 books
science & nature

science & nature

1064 books
history

history

999 books
Takeaways
Description

Twenty-five years after its publication, Steven Levy's classic book on the creativity and risk-taking of the computer revolution's original hackers—those brilliant and eccentric nerds from the late 1950s through the early 1980s who took risks, bent rules, and pushed the world in a radical new direction—is back with new material.  

With updated material from noteworthy hackers such as Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Wozniak, and Bill Gates, Hacker is a fascinating story that begins in early computer research labs and leads to the first home computers. Levy chronicles the imaginative brainiacs who found clever and unorthodox solutions to computer engineering problems. 

They had a shared sense of values, known as the hacker ethic (still thriving today), that was forged in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and '70s. Hacker captures a seminal period in recent history when underground activities blazed a trail for today's digital world—from MIT students finagling access to clunky computer-card machines to the DIY culture that spawned the Altair and the Apple II.

The Hacker Ethic

Steven Levy introduces us to the 'Hacker Ethic' in his book. This is a set of principles that hackers live by, including the belief that information should be free and that computers can change life for the better. It's a fascinating look into the mindset of these tech wizards.

The Birth of Hacking

The book takes us back to the birth of hacking at MIT in the 1950s and 60s. It's a chance to see how this subculture started and how it has evolved over the years. You'll find it interesting to see how the early hackers paved the way for the tech revolution we're living in today.

The Evolution of Hacking

Levy explores the evolution of hacking from a hobby to a profession. He shows us how hacking has changed over the years, from the early days of tinkering with hardware to the modern era of cybercrime and cybersecurity. It's a great way to understand the history and future of this field.

The Impact of Hacking

In Hackers, you'll see how hacking has had a profound impact on society and technology. From the creation of the personal computer to the rise of the internet, hackers have played a crucial role in shaping our world. It's a reminder of the power of curiosity and innovation.

The Misunderstanding of Hacking

Steven Levy digs into the common misunderstandings about hackers. He shows that they're not all criminals or troublemakers, but often passionate innovators and problem solvers. This book will help you see hackers in a new light and appreciate their contributions to technology and society.

Quotes 4

Levy's 'Hackers' is a fascinating deep-dive into the world of computing, a must-read for anyone interested in the history of technology.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

Steven Levy's 'Hackers' is an insightful exploration of the hacker ethos. It's a book that has greatly influenced my understanding of the hacker mindset.

Mark ZuckerbergMark Zuckerberg - Facebook CEO

Levy's 'Hackers' is a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of innovation and the power of the hacker culture.

Elon MuskElon Musk - Tesla CEO

'Hackers' by Steven Levy is a seminal work that chronicles the rise of the hacker culture. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the internet.

Tim Berners-LeeTim Berners-Lee - Invented WWW
Bill GatesMark ZuckerbergElon MuskTim Berners-Lee

Recommendations

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Ev Williams

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Austen Allred

Austen Allred

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