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Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age by Carol Ann Browne, Brad Smith
adamhecktman's review against another edition
5.0
Full disclosure: I work in the department at Microsoft of the authors. That may make me like the book slightly more than I would otherwise. And I loved this book. For one thing, the authors enjoy history and the way it does not repeat, rather it rhymes. Putting today's complex issues surrounding into the context of their historical analogs does something more than help the reader understand where we may have seen this before. It also helps break down the complexity while providing guideposts to where it may lead.
In every chapter, the authors have something to say about the responsibility of technology and the companies that make it. They are clear on the role of governments, ecosystems, and users of tech. And tech companies in this day now have roles to play that extend well beyond shareholder value. Framing policy considerations, influencing (and sometimes leading) diplomacy, setting the stage for the development of a future workforce. And providing, as the title suggests, either the machinery for a new generation of responsible industry or the ordinances of reckless ruin.
The authors lay out various principles that are required if everyone will benefit from the explosion of data and AI. Those principles are not independent of other value systems, such as those that form the basis of democracy or responsible business. They build on them, and the authors give many examples where this was the case when approaching new products. Technologies will come and go. But timeless values are...well...timeless.
In every chapter, the authors have something to say about the responsibility of technology and the companies that make it. They are clear on the role of governments, ecosystems, and users of tech. And tech companies in this day now have roles to play that extend well beyond shareholder value. Framing policy considerations, influencing (and sometimes leading) diplomacy, setting the stage for the development of a future workforce. And providing, as the title suggests, either the machinery for a new generation of responsible industry or the ordinances of reckless ruin.
The authors lay out various principles that are required if everyone will benefit from the explosion of data and AI. Those principles are not independent of other value systems, such as those that form the basis of democracy or responsible business. They build on them, and the authors give many examples where this was the case when approaching new products. Technologies will come and go. But timeless values are...well...timeless.
murrbenn's review against another edition
5.0
Democracy, privacy, cybersecurity, rural broadband, government regulation of tech and more – this book is so much more than just “will AI-infused robots take over the world.”
It’s a quick, easy read that breaks down these complex issues in a comprehensible manner with really interesting connections to lessons from history, providing fascinating insight and perspective on topics we should all be considering.
Living in a rural community, I found the rural broadband issues, including government reporting, solutions, and MSFT's commitment especially fascinating. I have a new respect for my REA and the part it played this country’s history.
Brad Smith’s position and history in the industry, including his musings and lessons learned from when Microsoft was on the wrong side of history, and the other tech giants stance on important issues, provide such an interesting perspective. As a bibliophile, I am very stingy with 5-star ratings. This book deserves it.
It’s a quick, easy read that breaks down these complex issues in a comprehensible manner with really interesting connections to lessons from history, providing fascinating insight and perspective on topics we should all be considering.
Living in a rural community, I found the rural broadband issues, including government reporting, solutions, and MSFT's commitment especially fascinating. I have a new respect for my REA and the part it played this country’s history.
Brad Smith’s position and history in the industry, including his musings and lessons learned from when Microsoft was on the wrong side of history, and the other tech giants stance on important issues, provide such an interesting perspective. As a bibliophile, I am very stingy with 5-star ratings. This book deserves it.
gabehagstrom's review against another edition
4.0
Brad is knowledgeable, a gifted storyteller, experienced, wise, and an unabashed Microsoft apologist. The book is a helpful overview of all the possible gray areas currently becoming issues in technology and a global economy. With a few Microsoft promos and back patting thrown in for good measure.
Where the book really shines is When Brad and his co-author matchup current issues with historic issues to draw parallels and learnings. How they show that data and oil are really similar but also very dissimilar, how electricity and AI should actually be handled the same way. And how Automation and the car comedy automobile may have a really similar impact on our economy Workforce and live.
Outside of that, don't expect too many razor sharp hot takes from Brad. The book has probably been PR'd to death. And while that doesn't mean it's not a good read, it does mean it's a very safe read.
Where the book really shines is When Brad and his co-author matchup current issues with historic issues to draw parallels and learnings. How they show that data and oil are really similar but also very dissimilar, how electricity and AI should actually be handled the same way. And how Automation and the car comedy automobile may have a really similar impact on our economy Workforce and live.
Outside of that, don't expect too many razor sharp hot takes from Brad. The book has probably been PR'd to death. And while that doesn't mean it's not a good read, it does mean it's a very safe read.
vladco's review against another edition
2.0
Lawyers are very careful writers. Brad Smith is smart, capable, progressive, etc. But he doesn’t take any risks here, and he doesn’t stray from the official Microsoft position, and he is careful to complement the Trump administration. Spends a lot of time defending MSFT and promoting the company’s activities. So, in sum, too much public relations and public affairs spin to be a trustworthy or thought-provoking read.