I’ve recently finished reading What Technology Wants. Even though this book was published almost 14 years ago, it still holds until today. I find it interesting that it even predicts some trends especially those related to Moore’s law, AI and where technology is heading in general. What I found refreshing is that the book offers a different perspective on technology, where it is viewed as the Seventh Kingdom of life; thus an extension of life itself. The frequent mention of the Amish and their way of life was amazing, couldn’t get enough of it really.
For those who are not familiar with the author Kevin Kelly, he is the same author of the more famous book The Inevitable, which is on my reading list as well.
While I don’t agree with some of his views specially at later chapters of the book, I think it does help us take a step back and understand the true nature of technology. Something anyone who is planning to work in Software Development or IT in general needs to have.
For those planning to read this book, a little warning. Kevin likes to go on long tangents just to explain some of his points (which for me something I respect actually but it does require patience). He will take you from the Big Bang to spooky network packets (I’ll keep this one for you to find out in the book) and to .
All in all, long live the technium and long live the Minimite* way of life.
Some of my favourite snippets from the book:
PS. He really needs to add pagination to his daily art page 
.
*Minimite: someone who uses the least amount of technology to accomplish something.