The Next Big Idea
INFERNAL MACHINE: Dynamite, Anarchy and the Future of Creativity
Jun 13, 2024
Author Steven Johnson discusses the history of dynamite, anarchism, and crime-fighting in New York City, touching on the evolution of forensic technology and the unintended consequences of innovation. He also talks about the development of AI tools for writers and the interplay between creativity and artificial intelligence in generating ideas.
01:09:34
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Quick takeaways
- Anarchists used violence to promote change, influenced by egalitarian ideals and media's support.
- Dynamite invention by Nobel revolutionized civil engineering but unintentionally fueled terrorism.
Deep dives
Terrorism in New York City: The Reign of Anarchist Bombings
Between 1895 to 1920, New York City experienced 7,000 bombings, linked to socialist agitators, Russian neolists, Irish Republicans, and German saboteurs. Anarchists, drawn to egalitarian ideals, promoted violence as a means to provoke change, aided by the media. The propaganda of the deed emerged, calling for revolutionary action through violent acts to gain global attention.
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