Context with Brad Harris
The Square and the Tower, by Niall Ferguson
Feb 7, 2019
Historian Niall Ferguson discusses the disruptive power of social networks throughout history, from Freemasons to Facebook. He contrasts hierarchies with networks and emphasizes their impact on major historical events. The podcast explores the dynamics of networks and hierarchies, the transformative power of the printing press, and the importance of regulating social media in the digital age.
38:27
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Quick takeaways
- Informal social networks drive major historical changes more than hierarchical organizations.
- The printing press democratized access to knowledge, leading to economic growth and scientific progress.
Deep dives
The Power of Social Networks Throughout History
Neil Ferguson's book 'The Square and the Tower' delves into the disruptive impacts of social networks, tracing their influence from the Freemasons to Facebook. Ferguson highlights how informal networks have often driven major historical changes, such as the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment, more significantly than hierarchical organizations.
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