99% Invisible cover image

The Infernal Machine

99% Invisible

00:00

The Dual Legacy of Dynamite

This chapter examines the life of a scientist who transformed nitroglycerin into dynamite, driven by personal tragedy and a vision for safer construction. It delves into the impact of this invention on both infrastructure development and its subsequent appropriation by anarchists for political violence in early 20th-century America. Through the lens of historical events and key figures, it reveals the complex relationship between technology, activism, and the philosophical roots of anarchism.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app