You are Not a Gadget

In 'You are Not a Gadget', Jaron Lanier challenges the dehumanizing aspects of modern technology and the internet, urging readers to reclaim their individuality in a digital world. He critiques the dangerous trends of reducing human experiences to mere data, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personal connections. Through thought-provoking insights, Lanier advocates for a future where technology enhances our humanity rather than diminishes it. With a blend of philosophy, technology, and personal anecdotes, he invites us to rethink our relationship with machines. This book is a clarion call for preserving individuality in an age of automation—are you ready to embrace your uniqueness?

By Jaron Lanier

Published: 2010

"We cannot allow the digital tools we create to define our humanity; instead, we must harness them to enhance our individuality and creativity."

You are Not a GadgetBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Lanier, a Silicon Valley visionary, offers this provocative and cautionary look at the way technology is transforming lives for better and for worse.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from You are Not a Gadget

About the Author

J

Jaron Lanier

Jaron Lanier is a prominent American computer scientist, musician, and author known for his pioneering work in virtual reality and his critical insights into technology's impact on society. He is the author of several influential books, including 'You Are Not a Gadget', 'Who Owns the Future?', and 'Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now'. Lanier's writing style combines academic rigor with accessible language, often incorporating personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections. His work challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of technology, emphasizing human values and creativity in an increasingly digital world.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Jaron Lanier
Published
January 2010
Publisher
Knopf
ISBN
0307269647
Language
English
Pages
287
Genres
Philosophy of MindPhilosophyTechnology

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Digital MinimalismBook binding

Digital Minimalism

Cal Newport

The Art of PossibilityBook binding

The Art of Possibility

Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander

Homo DeusBook binding

Homo Deus

Yuval Noah Harari

The Iron Will of Shoeshine CatsBook binding

The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats

Hesh Kestin

ConsciousBook binding

Conscious

Annaka Harris

The Success EquationBook binding

The Success Equation

Michael J. Mauboussin

The Philosophy of CompositionBook binding

The Philosophy of Composition

Edgar Allan Poe

Einstein's DreamsBook binding

Einstein's Dreams

Alan Lightman

Topics in Advanced Scientific ComputationBook binding

Topics in Advanced Scientific Computation

Richard E. Crandall

What Technology WantsBook binding

What Technology Wants

Kevin Kelly

Hardcore HistoryBook binding

Hardcore History

Dan Carlin

Complete Anne of Green GablesBook binding

Complete Anne of Green Gables

Lucy Maud Montgomery

The Clock Of The Long NowBook binding

The Clock Of The Long Now

Stewart Brand

Art of Doing Science and EngineeringBook binding

Art of Doing Science and Engineering

Richard R. Hamming

The Four-dimensional HumanBook binding

The Four-dimensional Human

Laurence Scott

Lincoln in the BardoBook binding

Lincoln in the Bardo

George Saunders

Imagined WorldsBook binding

Imagined Worlds

Freeman J. Dyson

The BeekeeperBook binding

The Beekeeper

Dunyā Mīkhāʼīl

The Diamond AgeBook binding

The Diamond Age

Neal Stephenson

Absence of MindBook binding

Absence of Mind

Marilynne Robinson

Tai-panBook binding

Tai-pan

James Clavell

Hard LandingBook binding

Hard Landing

Thomas Petzinger, Jr.

Night ThoughtsBook binding

Night Thoughts

Wallace Shawn

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the PresentBook binding

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present

Max Boot

Zorba the GreekBook binding

Zorba the Greek

Nikos Kazantzakis

FarsightedBook binding

Farsighted

Steven Johnson

PruneBook binding

Prune

Gabrielle Hamilton

The Best and the BrightestBook binding

The Best and the Brightest

David Halberstam

The Meaning of Human ExistenceBook binding

The Meaning of Human Existence

Edward O. Wilson

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations

Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations

Abi Tyas Tunggal is a distinguished author known for his impactful contributions to contemporary literature and digital content. He has garnered acclaim for his insightful storytelling and adept handling of complex themes, resonating with a diverse readership. Tunggal's work often explores the intersections of technology, society, and human experience, making him a prominent voice in modern narrative arts. Beyond his literary achievements, he is also recognized for his innovative use of digital platforms to engage with and expand his audience. Tunggal continues to influence the literary landscape with his thought-provoking and accessible writing.

View Collection
Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman is a renowned neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford University, where he leads the Huberman Lab, focusing on brain function, behavior, and health. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of neural plasticity, particularly how the brain can change in response to experience and injury. Huberman is widely recognized for his engaging public science communication, which includes the popular "Huberman Lab" podcast that translates complex neuroscience topics into accessible insights for broad audiences. His research has been published in leading scientific journals, earning him numerous accolades and fostering a deeper public appreciation for neuroscience. Additionally, his work extends into practical applications, influencing fields such as mental health, vision restoration, and performance optimization.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.

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
Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.

View Collection
Cal Newport's Book Recommendations

Cal Newport's Book Recommendations

Cal Newport is a prominent computer science professor at Georgetown University and a bestselling author known for his influential work on productivity and deep work. His groundbreaking book, "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World," has garnered widespread acclaim for its insights into maximizing cognitive performance in a distraction-filled age. Newport's other notable works include "So Good They Can't Ignore You," which challenges conventional career advice, and "Digital Minimalism," which advocates for a more intentional approach to technology use. Through his books and popular blog, Newport has become a leading voice in the discussion of work habits and digital wellness. His research and writings continue to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their approach to work and technology.

View Collection
Albert Wenger's Book Recommendations

Albert Wenger's Book Recommendations

Albert Wenger is a prominent venture capitalist and author, best known for his insightful contributions to the intersection of technology and society. As a managing partner at Union Square Ventures, he has invested in and mentored numerous groundbreaking startups, significantly shaping the digital landscape. Wenger is the author of "World After Capital," a thought-provoking book that explores the implications of a post-capitalist society driven by abundant knowledge and digital innovation. His work has sparked important discussions about the future of work, education, and governance in an increasingly automated world. Beyond his writing, Wenger is a sought-after speaker and influential thought leader in the tech community.

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
Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

We cannot allow the digital tools we create to define our humanity; instead, we must harness them to enhance our individuality and creativity.

You are Not a Gadget

By Jaron Lanier

Frequently Asked Questions