In the Plex

In 'In the Plex', Steven Levy takes readers deep inside the inner workings of Google, exploring its innovative culture and groundbreaking technologies. Through captivating anecdotes and insightful interviews, he reveals how Google's quest for information reshapes our digital landscape and influences everyday life. The book delves into the minds of its founders, the challenges they've faced, and the ethical dilemmas that arise from their ambitions. As Levy paints a vivid picture of this tech giant, he invites readers to ponder the implications of living in a world dominated by algorithms. This insightful examination not only uncovers the magic behind one of the world's most influential companies but also challenges us to consider the future of technology itself.

By Steven Levy

Published: 2011

In the PlexBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

The War of ArtBook binding

The War of Art

Steven Pressfield

Parenting Your Powerful ChildBook binding

Parenting Your Powerful Child

Dr. Kevin Leman

How to Castrate a BullBook binding

How to Castrate a Bull

Dave Hitz

Here Comes EverybodyBook binding

Here Comes Everybody

Clay Shirky

No Rules RulesBook binding

No Rules Rules

Reed Hastings, Erin Meyer

Financial Shenanigans, Fourth Edition: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks and Fraud in Financial ReportsBook binding

Financial Shenanigans, Fourth Edition: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks and Fraud in Financial Reports

Jeremy Perler, Howard M. Schilit, Yoni Engelhart

The Wealth of NationsBook binding

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith

Conflicting MissionsBook binding

Conflicting Missions

Piero Gleijeses

An Essay on TypographyBook binding

An Essay on Typography

Eric Gill

The Facebook EffectBook binding

The Facebook Effect

David Kirkpatrick

The Journal of Henry David Thoreau, 1837-1861Book binding

The Journal of Henry David Thoreau, 1837-1861

Henry David Thoreau

What Technology WantsBook binding

What Technology Wants

Kevin Kelly

The Writer's JourneyBook binding

The Writer's Journey

Christopher Vogler

The Misfit EconomyBook binding

The Misfit Economy

Alexa Clay, Kyra Maya Phillips

The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, Volume 1Book binding

The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, Volume 1

David M. Buss

World War ZBook binding

World War Z

Max Brooks

The Happiness Project, Tenth Anniversary EditionBook binding

The Happiness Project, Tenth Anniversary Edition

Gretchen Rubin

Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right NowBook binding

Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now

Jaron Lanier

Tractatus Logico-PhilosophicusBook binding

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

Ludwig Wittgenstein, Charles Kay Ogden

The Third WaveBook binding

The Third Wave

Steve Case

Throwing Rocks at the Google BusBook binding

Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus

Douglas Rushkoff

MindstormsBook binding

Mindstorms

Seymour A. Papert

From Counterculture to CybercultureBook binding

From Counterculture to Cyberculture

Fred Turner

LusterBook binding

Luster

Raven Leilani

The Big SwitchBook binding

The Big Switch

Nicholas Carr

Will You Die with Me?Book binding

Will You Die with Me?

Flores A. Forbes

Magic and LossBook binding

Magic and Loss

Virginia Heffernan

The Anatomy of DisgustBook binding

The Anatomy of Disgust

William Ian Miller

Whose Story Is This?Book binding

Whose Story Is This?

Rebecca Solnit

Book Collections you might like →

Paul Graham's Book Recommendations

Paul Graham's Book Recommendations

Paul Graham is a prominent programmer, venture capitalist, and essayist known for his influential work in the tech startup ecosystem. He co-founded Viaweb, one of the first web-based applications, which was later acquired by Yahoo! and became Yahoo! Store. As a co-founder of Y Combinator, Graham has been instrumental in funding and mentoring numerous successful startups, including Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit. His essays, collected in books such as "Hackers & Painters," offer profound insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and philosophy, making significant contributions to modern literature on these subjects. Graham's blend of technical expertise and thought leadership has made him a pivotal figure in both the tech and literary communities.

View Collection
Biz Stone's Book Recommendations

Biz Stone's Book Recommendations

Biz Stone is an American entrepreneur, co-founder of Twitter, and a key figure in the development of social media. Stone helped launch Twitter in 2006, transforming the way people communicate and share information globally. He has also co-founded other companies, including Xanga, Blogger, and Medium, and is involved in various philanthropic efforts through The Biz and Livia Stone Foundation. Stone is known for his creative thinking and his belief in the power of technology to create positive change in the world. His work has left a lasting impact on digital communication and media innovation.

View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.

View Collection
Gary Vaynerchuk's Book Recommendations

Gary Vaynerchuk's Book Recommendations

Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and social media personality. He initially gained prominence through his family’s wine business, turning it into a digital juggernaut with his online content and wine reviews. Gary is now the CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service digital agency, and has authored multiple bestsellers, including Crush It! and Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook. He is known for his blunt, motivational style and advice on business, marketing, and personal branding. Gary continues to inspire millions with his focus on hustle, entrepreneurship, and leveraging digital platforms for success.

View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

View Collection
Daniel Ek's Book Recommendations

Daniel Ek's Book Recommendations

Daniel Ek is a Swedish entrepreneur and co-founder of Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform. Ek revolutionized the music industry by offering a legal, user-friendly alternative to piracy, and Spotify has since become the dominant player in the streaming market. Under his leadership, Spotify has expanded globally, offering access to millions of songs and podcasts while reshaping how artists distribute their work. Ek is known for his forward-thinking approach to technology and his commitment to evolving Spotify’s platform for both users and creators. He continues to lead Spotify as it explores new innovations in audio entertainment.

View Collection
Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations

Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations

Daniel Burka is a prominent figure in the tech and design world, best known for his significant contributions to digital product design. As a design partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), he has played a crucial role in shaping the user experience of numerous successful startups. Burka co-founded the design agency MetaLab, which has worked with top-tier clients like Slack and Coinbase. Additionally, his work at Digg as the Director of Design helped pioneer social media design trends in the early 2000s. While not primarily an author, Burka's influence extends into literature through his insightful writings and talks on design and innovation.

View Collection
Cleo Abram's Book Recommendations

Cleo Abram's Book Recommendations

Cleo Abram is a distinguished journalist and content creator known for her incisive storytelling and engaging multimedia presentations. She gained widespread recognition as a producer and host for Vox's acclaimed series, "Glad You Asked," where she explored complex topics with clarity and depth. Abram's work often intersects with technology and culture, making intricate subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles to various esteemed publications. Her innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence and inspire both readers and aspiring journalists.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Delian Asparouhov's Book Recommendations

Delian Asparouhov's Book Recommendations

Delian Asparouhov is a venture capitalist at Founders Fund and co-founder of Varda Space Industries, a company focused on manufacturing in space. As a prominent figure in the tech and space industries, Asparouhov is known for his investments in innovative startups and his work in advancing space manufacturing technology. He is a strong advocate for pushing the boundaries of technology and has been vocal about the potential of space as the next frontier for industrial production. His work has made him a key player in the emerging space economy.

View Collection
Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams's Book Recommendations

Ev Williams is an American entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Twitter and Medium. Williams has a long history in the tech industry, having co-founded Blogger, one of the first blogging platforms, which was later acquired by Google. His work has significantly shaped online communication, giving people platforms to share their thoughts and ideas globally. Williams’ focus on simplicity and user experience has been a hallmark of his career. He continues to lead Medium, a platform that champions quality content and thoughtful discourse.

View Collection
Ben Affleck's Book Recommendations

Ben Affleck's Book Recommendations

Ben Affleck is an acclaimed American actor, director, and screenwriter, noted for his significant contributions to film and literature. He achieved early acclaim with his co-writing and starring role in "Good Will Hunting" (1997), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay alongside Matt Damon. Affleck further showcased his directorial prowess with the critically acclaimed film "Argo" (2012), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His work often explores complex characters and social issues, making a substantial impact on contemporary storytelling. Additionally, Affleck has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support numerous charitable causes.

View Collection
James Altucher's Book Recommendations

James Altucher's Book Recommendations

James Altucher is an American hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, author, and podcaster known for his candid and unconventional approach to success and self-improvement. He has authored over 20 books, including bestsellers like "Choose Yourself" and "Reinvent Yourself," which emphasize the importance of resilience and personal empowerment. Altucher is also a prolific blogger, sharing insights on various topics ranging from finance to mental health. His podcast, "The James Altucher Show," features in-depth interviews with a diverse array of influential figures, further cementing his reputation as a thought leader. Through his writing and media presence, Altucher has inspired millions to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

View Collection
Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations

Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations

Benedict Evans is a renowned technology analyst and commentator, acclaimed for his insightful analyses on technology trends and their societal impacts. With a background in venture capital and strategic consulting, Evans has become a prominent voice in the tech community through his thought-provoking essays and presentations. His work often explores the intersection of mobile technology, media, and internet platforms, offering a nuanced understanding of complex tech ecosystems. Evans is widely respected for his ability to distill intricate technological developments into accessible and compelling narratives. His contributions have significantly influenced industry leaders and informed public discourse on the future of technology.

View Collection
Garry Tan's Book Recommendations

Garry Tan's Book Recommendations

Garry Tan is a prominent entrepreneur and investor, best known for his influential role in the technology and startup ecosystem. Co-founder of Initialized Capital, Tan has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring numerous successful startups. His contributions to literature primarily include insightful writings on technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, which are widely read and respected within the industry. Tan's blog posts and essays offer valuable guidance and have inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, his work at Y Combinator, where he previously served as a partner, further underscores his significant impact on the startup community.

View Collection
Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations

Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations

Keith Rabois is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and startup ecosystem. He played crucial roles in the early success of companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, Square, and Yelp, earning a reputation as a skilled operator and strategic thinker. As a partner at Founders Fund and later at Khosla Ventures, Rabois has invested in and advised numerous successful startups. In addition to his business ventures, he has written insightful articles and essays on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the broader discourse on these subjects. Rabois continues to influence the tech world with his strategic insights and thought leadership.

View Collection
Jack Dorsey's Book Recommendations

Jack Dorsey's Book Recommendations

Jack Dorsey is an influential American technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. While not primarily a literary figure, Dorsey's contributions to social media have revolutionized how information is disseminated and consumed globally. His work has indirectly influenced modern literature by providing a platform for writers, journalists, and thinkers to share ideas instantly. Additionally, Dorsey co-founded Square, a financial services and mobile payment company, which has impacted digital transactions worldwide. His innovative contributions have earned him recognition as a pivotal figure in the digital age.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions