

#3416
Mentioned in 9 episodes
Player piano
Book • 1952
Published in 1952, 'Player Piano' is Kurt Vonnegut's debut novel, set in a near-future society that is almost totally mechanized.
The story follows Dr. Paul Proteus, an engineer who begins to question the ethics and consequences of a society where machines have supplanted human labor.
The novel explores themes of job displacement, the value of human work, and the ethical implications of technological advancements.
It critiques a society that values efficiency and productivity over human connection and meaningful work, highlighting the tension between the benefits and drawbacks of technological progress.
The story follows Dr. Paul Proteus, an engineer who begins to question the ethics and consequences of a society where machines have supplanted human labor.
The novel explores themes of job displacement, the value of human work, and the ethical implications of technological advancements.
It critiques a society that values efficiency and productivity over human connection and meaningful work, highlighting the tension between the benefits and drawbacks of technological progress.
Mentioned by














Mentioned in 9 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, who received it as a gift with a note from a colleague after a webcast.

Ellen Zentner

92 snips
Tariffs, The Fed, and Macro Focus with Morgan Stanley’s Ellen Zentner
Recommended by 

as a relevant book about humanity in the face of automation.


Josh Brown

29 snips
Fear Buying AI & Automation Stocks, Whoops Too Many Winners, Booming Tech Trade — With Josh Brown
Recommended by Devin from Edwardsville, Illinois, for its relevance to current AI anxieties.

20 snips
The Intelligence: The Economist reads
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the source of a quote by Kurt Vonnegut, used by Parker Palmer in his book.

Andrea Hiott

18 snips
#73 Enough of this Harrowing: Life Together on the Möbius Strip with author, educator and activist Parker Palmer
Mentioned by 

when discussing automation and the future of work.


Packy McCormick

17 snips
112 - Into the Funtier | Packy McCormick
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a relevant read for understanding the impact of automation on society.

Nick Mehta

14 snips
E86: How Customer Success Drives Business Growth with Gainsight CEO Nick Mehta
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a novel from 1952 that explores themes of automation and its impact on society.

Eric Molinsky

Robot Collar Jobs
Recommended by Devin from Edwardsville, Illinois, for its relevance to current AI anxieties.

The Intelligence: The Economist reads
Recommended by 

as a second book to read, highlighting Vonnegut's exploration of automation's impact.


Simon Johnson

Simon Johnson: Nobel Prize Conversations
Mentioned by Bob from East Lansing, Michigan, as a dystopian look at the future of AI.

The Jackpod: Culture warrior
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book with both wrong and prescient predictions about automation and its societal impact.

Nick Mehta

351: The End of the Pre-Written Story: Nick Mehta, former Gainsight CEO, on Embracing AI’s Uncertainty
Mentioned by 

when pondering what people would do if AI took away their purpose.


Ron Evans

Defer Life Considered Harmful
Recommended by 

as one of his favorite authors.


Jon Stewart

America Has Changed. So Has Jon Stewart.