#2728
Mentioned in 10 episodes
Square and the Tower
Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook
Book • 2017
In this book, Niall Ferguson argues that networks have always been a crucial part of human society, from ancient cults to modern social media platforms like Facebook.
He uses social network analysis to demonstrate how these networks often hold more real power than the hierarchical institutions they challenge.
The book explores historical examples, including the Reformation and the rise of revolutionary ideas, to illustrate the ongoing struggle between 'the Square' (networks) and 'the Tower' (hierarchies).
Ferguson also applies network theory concepts to understand both the past and the present, offering insights into how networks can transform our understanding of history and current affairs.
He uses social network analysis to demonstrate how these networks often hold more real power than the hierarchical institutions they challenge.
The book explores historical examples, including the Reformation and the rise of revolutionary ideas, to illustrate the ongoing struggle between 'the Square' (networks) and 'the Tower' (hierarchies).
Ferguson also applies network theory concepts to understand both the past and the present, offering insights into how networks can transform our understanding of history and current affairs.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 10 episodes
Mentioned by 
Marc Andreessen as an author who wrote about the conflict between hierarchy and networks.
Marc Andreessen as an author who wrote about the conflict between hierarchy and networks.
380 snips
#129 Marc Andreessen: Interview with an Icon
Mentioned by 
Tim Ferriss , highlighting its New York Times bestseller status and adaptation for television.
Tim Ferriss , highlighting its New York Times bestseller status and adaptation for television.
224 snips
#634: Niall Ferguson, Historian — The Coming Cold War II, Visible and Invisible Geopolitics, Why Even Atheists Should Study Religion, Masters of Paradox, Fatherhood, Fear, and More
Mentioned by 
Niall Ferguson as a book he wrote to understand why political discourse has become so dangerous.
Niall Ferguson as a book he wrote to understand why political discourse has become so dangerous.
91 snips
#402 - The Geopolitics of Trump 2.0
Mentioned by Niall Ferguson as a book designed to show the continuity of networks and hierarchies in technology.
14 snips
History, AI & Technology’s Shared Trajectory | Niall Ferguson
Mentioned by 
Cal Newport as a book combining network science and history, exploring the tension between hierarchical and non-hierarchical social networks in shaping historical events.
Cal Newport as a book combining network science and history, exploring the tension between hierarchical and non-hierarchical social networks in shaping historical events.
Ep. 109: How Much Should I Read?
Mentioned by 
Axel Merk as a book exploring rigid societies and network societies, and how they react to disruptive forces.
Axel Merk as a book exploring rigid societies and network societies, and how they react to disruptive forces.
Tariffs Have Changed 'Plumbing' of Global Finance: Axel Merk
Mentioned by 
Laura Shin in the introduction, highlighting Niall Ferguson's expertise in financial history.
Laura Shin in the introduction, highlighting Niall Ferguson's expertise in financial history.
Why Bitcoin Now: Michael Casey and Niall Ferguson on How Bitcoin Fits in the History of Money - Ep.181
Mentioned by 
Kamal Ahmed in the context of the digital divide and the potential for technology to create inequality.
Kamal Ahmed in the context of the digital divide and the potential for technology to create inequality.
Business Weekly: Steering a tech giant with Satya Nadella
Mentioned by 
Sean Carroll as a recent book exploring the interplay between networks and hierarchies in history.
Sean Carroll as a recent book exploring the interplay between networks and hierarchies in history.
145 | Niall Ferguson on Histories, Networks, and Catastrophes
