Customer Reviews

Microcosm: The Quantum Revolution in Economics and Technology

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Gilder is a rare combination of engineering acumen and campfire storyteller. His story of the birth of the modern computer industry is absolutely fascinating. Gilder, in his description of the "quantum paradox," is at his best, treading confidently in highly technical areas, but keeping the story concise and interesting. Recurring themes in this book stress the power of individual initiative and the helplessness of governments and industrial policies to advance the state of the art in computers. Now, eight years past its initial release, many of his predictions have come true. Some may find fault with his politics, but this book and its conclusions are a convincing argument of his reasoning. If you ever read a book about the history of high-tech, this should be the one.

This book enabled me to understand the forces driving the semiconductor / computer industry. I have read it three times... the book is now a mess. I attacked it with a highlighter, wrote notes in the margins, talked it over with friends. Have given several copies away. Its that good. The notes and bibliography were even fun to read. Suggestion - Read Ray Kurzweils "Age of Spiritual Machines" after you read Microcosm.

Like another reader said, read Ray Kurzweils "Age of Spiritual Machines" after you read Microcosm to get better insight into semiconductors. This book, along with Microchip Fabrication: A Practical Guide to Semiconductor Processing, are what enabled me to understand the forces driving the semiconductor / computer industry. I was introduced to both books working as a junior semiconductor analyst coming out of grad school. Gilder's book on Telecosm is great for those looking to better understand how telecommunications will affect the world's economies moving forward.

First off, don't read this book hoping to get investment advice. That isn't Gilder's expertise. The guy is an economist folks. His rise to fame may have been during the telecom boom but he became well known during the Reagan era when he wrote a book on The Spirit of Enterprise and Wealth and Poverty, which discussed entrpreneurial ventures and how they were the key to creating wealth in this country. Reagan dragged this guy around the country folks because of his insights into the entrepreneurial spirit! Gilder sits on panels at conferences with such luminaries as Peter Drucker, Lester Thurow, Andy Grove and other intellectuals.

When you read this you will find out the following

1) There is a lot of technical jargon in it. Most should be able to learn what he is saying but it isn't like reading a trashy, romance novel. You have to think.
2) He is trying to convey the fundamental change that semiconductors will have on the economy and why. Having worked in telecom and being a closet economist with an MBA I can say this guy knows his stuff folks.
3) Semiconductors are the core technology in any electronic equipment and it is actually the most proprietary element in a design so it is worth learning more about them since they create a lot of wealth for investors.

The one thing that Gilder emphasizes in this book is the power of individual initiative. We are in the knowledge economy folks and microprocessors and PCs are enabling us to be more productive, begin new careers and experience a quality of life that very few predicted 40 years ago. The microchip and its implications are amazing. The power of the individual in the knowledge economy are causing governments to feel more helpless as they attempt to develop industrial policies and taxation.

Other books to read for futurists and aspiring managers/leaders are Peter Drucker's The Essential Drucker, Built on Trust (social organization) and The Worldly Philsophers by Robert Heilbroner (greatest economist highlights).

Now, eight years past its initial release, many of his predictions have come true. Some may find fault with his politics, but this book and its conclusions are a convincing argument of his reasoning. If you ever read a book about the history of high-tech, this should be the one.

A broad sweeping review of the technologies and implications that have changed the world from an atom (matter) based economy to a bit (information) economy. Excellent perspective on the evolution of the semiconductor industry and trends with an interesting collection of personal anecdotes of the major thinkers and doers. Don't be worried that it was published almost a decade ago. It still is well worth your time to read!

Microcosom provides a basis of understanding the technology field. The author takes you from the birth of the diode to the present state of digital and then back to the future of analog. The book goes beyond the historical perspective of thechnology through interviews from the brightest industry leaders and thier perspective of the future of the Microcosm

This was an important summary of the 20th century revolution which led to the modern computer. George Gilder has the ability to describe history as an exciting adventure. Everyone interested in the technological revolution must read this book. Have fun.

A mind-bending page turner that links quantum physics with the revolution of the information age as inaugurated by the microchip and all its manifestations. Claims that economics, geopolitics, power, and matter itself is collapsing into the 'Microcosm' which is liberating the globe and the mind of man. A broad scope of the history of thought and invention that led to the information age with original interpretations of the past as well as powerful prophesies for the future. One of the most important books of the 1990s. To embrace the future that is upon us ... read this book.

"Microcosm" is a book that captures the birth of the computer and the computer age. Gilder does a nice job of profiling the people, discoveries, and inventions that ushered in a new era for humanity. Be warned, however, that in telling the story, Gilder gets highly technical and very detailed. This is a good read even if a decent portion of it goes over your head, but even as a fairly avid reader of science and math books, this one was dense and often beyond me.

Recommended for those ready for technical reading and a lot of detail.

Remember the company Global Crossing? Gilder predicted that this company would change the world and would be a sound investment for years to come. It declared bankruptcy shortly thereafter. Gilder is a carnival barker. If you look at his track record of predicting...anything, you won't waste any time reading him again.