The pattern on the stone

In this book, Danny Hillis provides an easy-to-follow explanation of how computers process data, starting from basic logic and simple electrical circuits to advanced concepts like programming languages, algorithms, memory, quantum computing, parallel computing, neural networks, and self-organizing systems.

Hillis avoids technical jargon and uses colorful anecdotes and simple examples, such as the 'turtle' programs from the Logo computing language, to make the subject accessible to non-technical readers.