American Sketches
Authors: Walter Isaacson, Walter Isaacson
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Overview
This book is a collection of essays and reviews I’ve written over the years, mostly for Time magazine, about a variety of subjects and people. As a journalist and biographer, I’m interested in how people’s minds work, what makes them creative, and how they shape history. The pieces here focus on the individuals who ripple the surface of events, particularly those in the realms of leadership, creativity, and public life.
I explore the leadership styles of Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers, examining their ability to balance pragmatism with principle, and the compromises that shaped the founding documents of our nation. I also delve into the challenges faced by statesmen such as Henry Kissinger, James Baker, Madeleine Albright, and Colin Powell, questioning whether their realpolitik approaches and actions adequately reflected democratic values.
Creativity is another main theme. I discuss the role of imagination and a childlike sense of wonder in the scientific breakthroughs of Albert Einstein, as well as his struggles to reconcile science with his evolving spiritual and religious beliefs. And I contrast the mind of Einstein with that of Bill Gates, highlighting their different approaches to problem-solving and different comfort levels with human interaction. I then look at how the digital revolution, driven by the ingenuity of people like Andrew Grove, has unleashed creativity and decentralized power structures, as well as the changes it has brought to our lives and our economy.
I consider this book relevant today, especially given the challenges to traditional political and social structures that are being driven by the digital revolution and advances in biotechnology. The ability to see the world through the lives of people, and to tell the story through a narrative lens, is particularly important now, as we navigate an increasingly fragmented media landscape and search for ways to create a sense of shared experience and common ground.
Book Outline
1. Introduction: My So-Called Writing Life
Benjamin Franklin possessed leadership qualities, like inventiveness, pragmatism, and wit, similar to Barack Obama. He was adept at uniting people through listening and demonstrating a pretense of humility if not always its full reality. Franklin’s founding of the Library Company of Philadelphia highlights a key leadership rule: downplaying personal credit aids success. His involvement in drafting the Declaration of Independence shows a balancing act between values and the art of compromise.
Key concept: Leaders must listen, particularly during tumultuous periods, and unify people by displaying humility. This is essential for liberty and democracy.
1. Franklin and the Art of Leadership
The Founding Fathers, particularly Franklin, understood the importance of compromise in a democracy. The editing of the Declaration’s famous opening lines reveals a balance between divine providence and democratic principles. However, compromising on issues like slavery proved problematic, underscoring the complex nature of political leadership.
Key concept: Leaders must know when to compromise and when to stand firm.
1. God of Our Fathers
Founding fathers such as Jefferson and Franklin were deists, believing in a Creator evident in nature, but not a personal God intervening in human affairs. The addition of “under God” and providence in the Declaration reflects different religious interpretations amongst the founders. They sought to avoid making God a divisive issue.
Key concept: The founders wrestled with their own faith and beliefs but were careful not to use God as a political wedge issue.
1. The Opinions of Mankind
The Declaration of Independence was a public diplomacy document designed to gain international support. Its emphasis on values and ideals, rather than threats or self-interest, proved successful in enlisting France’s support. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and shared values in foreign policy.
Key concept: A decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires an explanation of a nation’s actions.
1. Best Supporting Actor
John Adams, though less charismatic than other Founding Fathers, played a key supporting role thanks to his sensibility and independent thinking. His willingness to prioritize national unity over partisan politics while Vice President is a key lesson in leadership.
Key concept: Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.
1. A Delicate Balance
The Constitutional Convention prioritized balance and compromise among opposing principles. The debate over proportional representation, counting slaves for apportionment, and the avoidance of the word “slave” illustrate these delicate balancing acts.
Key concept: The ability to calibrate balance among competing principles is essential in a democracy.
2. Kissinger and the Roots of Realism
Henry Kissinger, a brilliant analyst of realpolitik, is often criticized for prioritizing national interests over morality. His leadership style tends towards secrecy, which can undermine democratic values.
Key concept: Covert action should not be confused with missionary work.
2. Kissinger Reappraised
Kissinger’s realism and focus on power balances gained relevance after the end of the Cold War, particularly in a multipolar world. However, his lack of emphasis on democratic ideals and his secretive approach often alienated him from different political factions.
Key concept: Realism is essential in foreign policy, especially in complex situations.
2. James Baker, Wise Man?
James Baker’s desire to be remembered as a statesman is contrasted with his strong partisanship. The piece questions if he will be seen as more of a political operative than a true Wise Man, highlighting the challenge of balancing pragmatism with principle.
Key concept: Statesman-like qualities include pragmatism and caution.
2. Madeleine’s War
Madeleine Albright’s assertive approach to foreign policy, often driven by moral impulses, is exemplified in her handling of the Kosovo crisis. She successfully maneuvered through diplomatic channels to obtain Russian support for intervention.
Key concept: Ethnic cleansing cannot be permitted.
2. Colin Powell, The Good Soldier
Colin Powell, though often criticized for his role in the Iraq War, acted with honor and demonstrated prescient thinking by emphasizing a well-defined military mission with a clear exit strategy. Powell favored a more cautious, realist approach within a divided administration, highlighting the struggle between realism and idealism in foreign policy.
Key concept: Honor requires both loyalty and honesty, and can be difficult to uphold in practice.
2. George Tenet and the Instinct to Please
George Tenet’s desire to please authority figures contrasts with those who defy authority. The challenge lies in finding a balance between conforming to authority and speaking truth to power.
Key concept: Consensus building can become collaborationist; dissent can become self-righteous.
3. Figuring Out Ronnie
Reagan, often seen as an amiable dunce, had an underlying pragmatism that allowed him to work effectively with political opponents and make compromises. His seeming disinterest in details masked a shrewd ability to connect with people.
Key concept: Playing to history beats playing to cramped political constituencies.
3. The Gorbachev Challenge
Gorbachev’s leadership and reforms drastically changed the landscape of global politics and provided opportunities for new approaches to diplomacy. Gorbachev’s proposals challenged the U.S. to respond imaginatively, particularly during a presidential transition period.
Key concept: Trust but verify.
3. Yes, He’s For Real
Gorbachev’s reforms in Eastern Europe, particularly his rejection of the Brezhnev Doctrine, highlighted the tension between Soviet security interests and the rights of other nations. This shift presented a challenge for the West, balancing cautious optimism with a recognition of continued underlying tensions.
Key concept: Freedom of choice is a universal principle.
5. Creative Thinker
Einstein’s scientific creativity was rooted in his nonconformity, his impertinent questioning of authority, and his childlike wonder. This essay explores how these traits allowed him to challenge scientific dogma and develop the special theory of relativity.
Key concept: Imagination is more important than knowledge.
5. Einstein’s God
Einstein’s religious views, often cited by both atheists and believers, were complex. His belief in an impersonal, deistic God, whose handiwork is revealed in the laws of the universe, was compatible with science but led him to reject notions of divine intervention or free will.
Key concept: God does not play dice with the universe.
5. A New Way to View Science
Einstein’s approach to science emphasized imagination and a childlike sense of wonder. His thought experiments, such as visualizing a chase after a light beam and an enclosed elevator, provided intuitive insights that led to the theory of relativity and opened a new way to view science.
Key concept: Science can be created only by those who are thoroughly imbued with the aspiration toward truth and understanding.
5. Einstein and the Bomb
Einstein’s role in the Manhattan Project was complex. Though he initiated U.S. bomb research with his letter to Roosevelt, his pacifist views and perceived security risks kept him from being centrally involved. His theoretical work, though, did indeed make the bomb possible.
Key concept: The man who started it all.
5. Einstein’s Final Quest
Even near the end of his life, Einstein pursued his quest for a unified field theory with great tenacity. His commitment to this “lonely endeavor” exemplifies the virtue of grit in scientific pursuits. Despite numerous setbacks and doubts, he persevered until his death.
Key concept: It is tasteless to prolong life artificially.
6. In Search of the Real Bill Gates
Bill Gates’s success stems from a rare blend of brilliance, drive, and emotional detachment, combined with an intellectual rigor and ability to drill down into complex technical details. He fostered a work environment at Microsoft that encouraged dissent and debate. But he lacked, at the time, a facility for interpersonal dynamics.
Key concept: That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.
6. The Passion of Andrew Grove
Andrew Grove, a key figure in the digital revolution, embodies the virtues of paranoia, entrepreneurial optimism, and sharp intelligence. His contributions to Intel, and to the development of microchips, have had a profound impact on our technology-driven world.
Key concept: Only the paranoid survive.
6. Our Century…and the Next One
The twentieth century, driven by scientific and technological advances, has seen rapid globalization, the rise of mass markets, and unfortunately also the rise of genocidal tendencies. The impact of these forces will continue to resonate into the twenty-first century.
Key concept: Politics is for the moment. An equation is for eternity.
6. The Biotech Age
The biotechnology age presents significant moral dilemmas. Genetic engineering offers the potential to cure diseases and enhance human capabilities but also raises questions about cloning, genetic selection, and personal privacy.
Key concept: Treat each person as an individual rather than as a means to some end.
6. Person of the Century
Einstein’s impact on the 20th century is unparalleled in science. His genius, his status as a political refugee, and his emphasis on human values make him a worthy Person of the Century.
Key concept: A spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe.
7. Luce’s Values, Then and Now
Henry Luce, founder of Time, believed in engaging with global issues and presenting information with a point of view. This contrasted sharply with an emerging philosophy in digital media that advocated content remaining free, which made news organizations beholden to advertisers rather than their readers.
Key concept: A belief that the world is round.
7. Henry Grunwald
Henry Grunwald, the greatest intellectual editor of Time, elevated the magazine’s quality through his intellectual rigor and commitment to thoughtful journalism. He sought to challenge readers with new ideas rather than pandering to popular tastes.
Key concept: Prior is a god-awful word.
7. Maynard Parker
Maynard Parker reinvigorated Newsweek through an instinct for news and emerging cultural trends, showing the importance of staying current while also providing insightful analysis. He demonstrated the successful evolution of a news magazine from a dinosaur to an important cultural publication.
Key concept: Edgy energy rooted in a passion for news.
7. George Plimpton
George Plimpton’s ability to make journalism entertaining sometimes overshadowed the deeper work he might have produced. His playful, name-dropping style, though effective at capturing attention, kept him, perhaps, from achieving his full literary potential.
Key concept: Master of the participatory anecdote.
7. A Bold, Old Idea For Saving Journalism
The current crisis in journalism necessitates new business models. Micropayments could offer a way for publications to charge for content without imposing paywalls, thereby maintaining a connection with readers and also making space for citizen journalists.
Key concept: Charging for content may benefit journalism by encouraging in-depth reporting and making publications more beholden to readers.
9. Green Trees
Early experiences shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. Kindergarten, as an initial foray into a larger world, offers many lasting lessons about how to navigate both physical and social environments.
Key concept: Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.
9. How to Bring the Magic Back
New Orleans possesses a unique charm rooted in its mix of cultures, traditions, and neighborhoods. Preserving this distinct identity is crucial for the city’s successful revitalization. Rebuilding authentically, preserving the old while embracing the new, is what will bring the magic back.
Key concept: Home is where one starts from.
10. Epilogue: The Future Restored
Post-Katrina New Orleans demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit. The crisis fostered a renewed sense of community, attracted a new generation of reformers, and created innovative educational opportunities. Recovery involves not just rebuilding structures but also restoring culture and nurturing creativity.
Key concept: Tough times force us to return to fundamentals. And there is nothing more fundamental than home.
Essential Questions
1. What qualities define effective leadership, according to the book, and how are these exemplified by the figures profiled?
The book demonstrates that effective leadership requires a blend of intelligence, vision, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Franklin’s ability to unite, Kissinger’s strategic brilliance, Albright’s moral clarity, and Powell’s cautious pragmatism each represent different facets of successful leadership. Notably, the ability to listen, build consensus, and balance competing interests emerges as a crucial skill for leaders in various fields.
2. How does the book explore the tension between realism and idealism in American foreign policy?
The tension between realism and idealism is a recurring theme, particularly in the sections on statecraft and foreign policy. Kissinger’s realpolitik approach, emphasizing national interests and power balances, contrasts with the more idealistic approaches of figures like Albright and Powell, who believed that American values should play a central role in foreign policy. The book suggests that a nuanced approach, balancing realism with a commitment to democratic ideals, may be most effective.
3. How does the book portray the impact of the digital revolution on American society and the world?
The book highlights the profound impact of the digital revolution, particularly through the profiles of Bill Gates and Andy Grove. It underscores how technological innovation, driven by individuals with “great passions, mental processing agility, and a thirst for data,” has reshaped our economy, social structures, and even the way we think. The book also explores the challenges posed by the digital age, including issues of privacy and the spread of misinformation, suggesting that a proactive and thoughtful approach is needed to harness its positive potential.
4. Why does Isaacson emphasize narrative and biographical storytelling as a way of understanding history and the world?
Isaacson champions the importance of narrative and biographical storytelling as a means of understanding history and complex issues. By focusing on the lives and experiences of individuals, he illuminates broader themes of leadership, creativity, and the forces shaping our world. This approach, he argues, is particularly valuable in the digital age, as it helps to create a shared sense of experience and counteracts the fragmentation of the media landscape.
5. How does the book explore the interplay between individual actions and broader historical forces?
Isaacson explores the impact of individual actions on history through figures like Einstein, whose theories reshaped our understanding of the universe, and Franklin, whose leadership shaped the founding of a nation. Conversely, the book reflects on how historical forces, like the rise of fascism and the digital revolution, have shaped individual lives and leadership styles. This interplay between individual agency and historical context is a key takeaway for understanding the dynamics of change and progress.
1. What qualities define effective leadership, according to the book, and how are these exemplified by the figures profiled?
The book demonstrates that effective leadership requires a blend of intelligence, vision, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Franklin’s ability to unite, Kissinger’s strategic brilliance, Albright’s moral clarity, and Powell’s cautious pragmatism each represent different facets of successful leadership. Notably, the ability to listen, build consensus, and balance competing interests emerges as a crucial skill for leaders in various fields.
2. How does the book explore the tension between realism and idealism in American foreign policy?
The tension between realism and idealism is a recurring theme, particularly in the sections on statecraft and foreign policy. Kissinger’s realpolitik approach, emphasizing national interests and power balances, contrasts with the more idealistic approaches of figures like Albright and Powell, who believed that American values should play a central role in foreign policy. The book suggests that a nuanced approach, balancing realism with a commitment to democratic ideals, may be most effective.
3. How does the book portray the impact of the digital revolution on American society and the world?
The book highlights the profound impact of the digital revolution, particularly through the profiles of Bill Gates and Andy Grove. It underscores how technological innovation, driven by individuals with “great passions, mental processing agility, and a thirst for data,” has reshaped our economy, social structures, and even the way we think. The book also explores the challenges posed by the digital age, including issues of privacy and the spread of misinformation, suggesting that a proactive and thoughtful approach is needed to harness its positive potential.
4. Why does Isaacson emphasize narrative and biographical storytelling as a way of understanding history and the world?
Isaacson champions the importance of narrative and biographical storytelling as a means of understanding history and complex issues. By focusing on the lives and experiences of individuals, he illuminates broader themes of leadership, creativity, and the forces shaping our world. This approach, he argues, is particularly valuable in the digital age, as it helps to create a shared sense of experience and counteracts the fragmentation of the media landscape.
5. How does the book explore the interplay between individual actions and broader historical forces?
Isaacson explores the impact of individual actions on history through figures like Einstein, whose theories reshaped our understanding of the universe, and Franklin, whose leadership shaped the founding of a nation. Conversely, the book reflects on how historical forces, like the rise of fascism and the digital revolution, have shaped individual lives and leadership styles. This interplay between individual agency and historical context is a key takeaway for understanding the dynamics of change and progress.
Key Takeaways
1. Emphasize understanding people and their motivations.
Isaacson stresses understanding people’s motivations and perspectives. Franklin’s success in uniting people stemmed from his ability to listen and respect different opinions. Kissinger’s strategic brilliance was often undermined by his inability to fully grasp the importance of public diplomacy and democratic values. In the digital age, understanding user motivations is essential for building successful and meaningful products. user research product design
Practical Application:
In product development, focusing on the user’s needs and motivations is paramount. By understanding what users value, AI engineers can develop products that address real problems and enhance user experience, rather than simply showcasing technological prowess.
2. Balance pragmatism with principle.
The tension between pragmatism and principle, compromise and conviction, is a recurring theme. The Founding Fathers’ compromises on slavery had long-lasting negative repercussions. Kissinger’s realpolitik sometimes clashed with democratic values. AI engineers face similar dilemmas, balancing optimization and ethics. ethics AI safety
Practical Application:
When designing AI systems, consider the broader ethical implications and potential unintended consequences. Striking a balance between optimization for specific tasks and responsible development is essential for creating truly beneficial AI.
3. Embrace creativity and adaptability.
The digital age thrives on creative thinking and adaptability. Einstein’s scientific breakthroughs came from challenging dogma and embracing imagination. Gates fostered a culture of constructive conflict at Microsoft. In rapidly evolving fields like AI, a willingness to embrace new ideas and adapt to changing circumstances is essential. innovation creative thinking effective meetings
Practical Application:
AI product engineers should strive to foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages open communication, constructive conflict, and a willingness to adapt to new information. This can involve creating spaces for idea generation, promoting knowledge sharing, and encouraging respectful dissent during project development.
4. Harness the power of storytelling.
Narrative storytelling is crucial for making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Isaacson uses personal anecdotes, biographical details, and historical context to illuminate broader themes and engage readers. For AI engineers, clear and compelling communication of often complex technical information is vital. storytelling effective communication user stories
Practical Application:
When presenting technical information, consider using narratives and real-world examples to make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. A focus on user stories can help bridge the gap between technical details and human needs.
1. Emphasize understanding people and their motivations.
Isaacson stresses understanding people’s motivations and perspectives. Franklin’s success in uniting people stemmed from his ability to listen and respect different opinions. Kissinger’s strategic brilliance was often undermined by his inability to fully grasp the importance of public diplomacy and democratic values. In the digital age, understanding user motivations is essential for building successful and meaningful products. user research product design
Practical Application:
In product development, focusing on the user’s needs and motivations is paramount. By understanding what users value, AI engineers can develop products that address real problems and enhance user experience, rather than simply showcasing technological prowess.
2. Balance pragmatism with principle.
The tension between pragmatism and principle, compromise and conviction, is a recurring theme. The Founding Fathers’ compromises on slavery had long-lasting negative repercussions. Kissinger’s realpolitik sometimes clashed with democratic values. AI engineers face similar dilemmas, balancing optimization and ethics. ethics AI safety
Practical Application:
When designing AI systems, consider the broader ethical implications and potential unintended consequences. Striking a balance between optimization for specific tasks and responsible development is essential for creating truly beneficial AI.
3. Embrace creativity and adaptability.
The digital age thrives on creative thinking and adaptability. Einstein’s scientific breakthroughs came from challenging dogma and embracing imagination. Gates fostered a culture of constructive conflict at Microsoft. In rapidly evolving fields like AI, a willingness to embrace new ideas and adapt to changing circumstances is essential. innovation creative thinking effective meetings
Practical Application:
AI product engineers should strive to foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages open communication, constructive conflict, and a willingness to adapt to new information. This can involve creating spaces for idea generation, promoting knowledge sharing, and encouraging respectful dissent during project development.
4. Harness the power of storytelling.
Narrative storytelling is crucial for making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Isaacson uses personal anecdotes, biographical details, and historical context to illuminate broader themes and engage readers. For AI engineers, clear and compelling communication of often complex technical information is vital. storytelling effective communication user stories
Practical Application:
When presenting technical information, consider using narratives and real-world examples to make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. A focus on user stories can help bridge the gap between technical details and human needs.
Memorable Quotes
Introduction. 12
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Introduction. 13
There are, he told me, two types of people who come out of Louisiana: preachers and story-tellers. It was better to be a storyteller.
Introduction. 15
The heart wants what it wants.
Franklin and the Art of Leadership. 37
Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.
He’s Back!. 65
Covert action should not be confused with missionary work.
Introduction. 12
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Introduction. 13
There are, he told me, two types of people who come out of Louisiana: preachers and story-tellers. It was better to be a storyteller.
Introduction. 15
The heart wants what it wants.
Franklin and the Art of Leadership. 37
Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.
He’s Back!. 65
Covert action should not be confused with missionary work.
Comparative Analysis
American Sketches sits within a tradition of biographical and historical writing, with Isaacson adding his journalistic lens to the analysis of leadership, creativity, and American culture. Similar to works by Doris Kearns Goodwin (Team of Rivals, The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys), Isaacson delves into the interpersonal dynamics and behind-the-scenes stories of significant figures. However, Isaacson focuses more directly on leadership styles and how they interact with the broader political and historical context. His discussion of Einstein’s scientific creativity has parallels with Abraham Pais’s scientific biography Subtle is the Lord, but while Pais concentrates on the scientific details, Isaacson explores the interplay of imagination, personality, and social impact. Isaacson’s examination of the digital revolution, embodied by figures like Bill Gates and Andy Grove, complements works like The Innovators by Walter Isaacson which goes in to greater technical depth; “American Sketches” focuses on the broader impact of their innovations and leadership on society. Finally, compared to the numerous pundit-driven narratives of recent history, Isaacson provides a more nuanced and informed account, based on his direct interactions with many of the key players, rather than relying on rhetoric or partisan points.
Reflection
American Sketches offers valuable insights for anyone interested in leadership, creativity, and the forces shaping the modern world, particularly those in the field of AI and technology. Isaacson’s emphasis on narrative makes the book engaging, but it also raises questions about objectivity. While he strives for balance, his personal connections with some of the figures he profiles, such as Kissinger and Gates, may color his analysis. His focus on individual stories, while effective at illustrating broader themes, sometimes comes at the expense of exploring systemic issues. For instance, while discussing racial dynamics in New Orleans, he primarily focuses on personal anecdotes rather than analyzing the structural inequalities that have shaped the city’s history. His optimistic view of technology’s potential for good should be balanced with a consideration of the ethical challenges and unintended consequences that often accompany innovation. Despite these limitations, Isaacson’s reflections on the nature of leadership, the role of grit in creative endeavors, and the ongoing interplay between individual action and historical forces offer valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of our times, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read, particularly in an increasingly technological world.
Flashcards
What was a key leadership strength shared by Benjamin Franklin and Barack Obama?
The ability to listen to and unify people, especially during times of great partisan division.
What is Franklin’s first rule of leadership?
It’s easier to accomplish things if you don’t worry about getting the credit.
What was the core motivation for the Declaration of Independence, according to Jefferson?
A decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they explain their actions.
What is a key lesson about the nature of political leadership and compromise, as exemplified by John Adams?
Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.
What was the most important lesson to be found in the crafting of the Constitution?
The importance of finding a balance between often conflicting values.
What was Kissinger’s quip about the abandonment of the Kurds?
Covert action should not be confused with missionary work.
According to Einstein, what is more important than knowledge?
Imagination.
What did Szilárd realize when he heard about fission using uranium?
That element might be used to produce a nuclear chain reaction.
What is a key tenet of Andy Grove’s business philosophy?
Only the paranoid survive.
What is Moore’s Law?
That microchips would double in power and halve in price every eighteen months.
What was a key leadership strength shared by Benjamin Franklin and Barack Obama?
The ability to listen to and unify people, especially during times of great partisan division.
What is Franklin’s first rule of leadership?
It’s easier to accomplish things if you don’t worry about getting the credit.
What was the core motivation for the Declaration of Independence, according to Jefferson?
A decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they explain their actions.
What is a key lesson about the nature of political leadership and compromise, as exemplified by John Adams?
Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.
What was the most important lesson to be found in the crafting of the Constitution?
The importance of finding a balance between often conflicting values.
What was Kissinger’s quip about the abandonment of the Kurds?
Covert action should not be confused with missionary work.
According to Einstein, what is more important than knowledge?
Imagination.
What did Szilárd realize when he heard about fission using uranium?
That element might be used to produce a nuclear chain reaction.
What is a key tenet of Andy Grove’s business philosophy?
Only the paranoid survive.
What is Moore’s Law?
That microchips would double in power and halve in price every eighteen months.