The Second Machine Age

by Erik Brynjolfsson, Andrew McAfee
The Second Machine Age cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technology and Innovation
Technical
  • ID: 2697
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780393239355
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
  • Published: 2014-01-20
  • Reviews: 3

The Second Machine Age examines the profound impact of digital technologies on our economy and society. The authors, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, argue that we are in the midst of a second machine age, driven by the exponential growth of computing power and the digitization of nearly everything. This transformation is not just about technology; it's about how it affects jobs, inequality, and the way we measure economic progress. The book offers insights into how individuals and policymakers can adapt to these changes. It discusses the importance of lifelong learning, the need for policy reforms, and the potential for technology to create new opportunities. By understanding the forces at play, we can better navigate the challenges and harness the benefits of the second machine age.

Reviews
Financial Times · 2025-10-16
optimistic 4.00

A fundamentally optimistic book that alters how we think about technological, societal, and economic progress.

This review highlights the book's optimistic outlook on the impact of technological advancements. It suggests that the authors provide a fresh perspective on how technology is reshaping society and the economy. The reviewer emphasizes the book's ability to challenge conventional thinking and offer new insights into the future of work and prosperity.

Quick quotes

    A fundamentally optimistic book, The Second Machine Age will radically alter how we think about issues of technological, societal and economic progress.

    The book challenges conventional thinking about the role of technology in society.

    It offers fresh insights into the future of work and prosperity.

Living with the Future · Martyn Casserly · 2015-07-15
insightful 4.50

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of technology on the economy and society.

Martyn Casserly's review praises the book for its comprehensive analysis of how technology is transforming the economy and society. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to make complex ideas accessible and its relevance to understanding the future of work and prosperity.

Quick quotes

    In the Second Machine Age, authors Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee explore the impact that technology will have on the economy and ...

    The book makes complex ideas accessible to readers.

    It is relevant to understanding the future of work and prosperity.

Milken Review · 2014-07-28
thoughtful 3.50

The book explores the impact of technological change on society and the economy, offering a balanced perspective.

This review provides a balanced view of the book, acknowledging both the potential benefits and challenges of technological advancements. The reviewer highlights the book's insightful analysis and its ability to engage readers with its thoughtful exploration of the second machine age.

Quick quotes

    On first look, The Second Machine Age might be mistaken for a slew of other books extolling technological change as the cure for much of ...

    The book offers a balanced perspective on the impact of technological change.

    It provides insightful analysis and thoughtful exploration of the second machine age.

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