This article chronicles the early days of the internet. It was published in 2001 and details the experiences of some of the early adopters.

It also features standout stories of democratization and youthful successes. There are interesting insights into the characteristics of youthfulness and the evolution of computer geeks as they age.

Moreover, it contains a very prescient chapter on the rise of Tivo and how it changed the way people consume media, particularly in terms of avoiding commercials.

Overall, it is an enjoyable and short 'read' that makes one appreciate Michael Lewis even more for his ability to capture this theme so early.

The early days of the internet were filled with excitement and innovation, and this article does a great job of highlighting some of the key aspects and trends.

It provides a fascinating look into the past and offers valuable perspectives on the development of the digital age.

Whether you are a tech enthusiast or simply interested in the history of the internet, this article is definitely worth a read.

It offers a unique and engaging perspective on a topic that has had a profound impact on our lives.

You wouldn't think that a book written in 2001 about the impact of the internet on our social order would be of much interest in 2011. After all, so much has changed and evolved in the world of the internet since then. This would likely be the case for most authors.

However, Michael Lewis is not like most authors. He has a remarkable talent for finding the most fascinating individuals at the core of a societal issue and presenting their stories in a way that feels like having a casual conversation over beers with the reader.

While "Next" may not be my absolute favorite among Lewis's books, nor does it rank in the top half of his works, it is still more than good enough to be well worth reading. It offers unique insights and perspectives into the ever-changing landscape of the internet and its far-reaching consequences on our society.

Despite being published a decade apart from the year in question, the book manages to capture the essence of the internet's influence and provides a thought-provoking exploration of its impact on various aspects of our lives.

So, even though it may not be Lewis's best work, "Next" is still a valuable addition to any reader's library who is interested in understanding the complex relationship between the internet and our social order.

The book offers many interesting insights, and one of the best quotes from it is: “…despair always seems worse when it’s british. On top of everything else, it’s cold and wet.”

This quote vividly captures a unique perspective. It implies that in the British context, despair takes on an additional layer of intensity. The cold and wet weather, which is often associated with the British climate, seems to exacerbate the feeling of despair.

Perhaps it's the gray skies and the constant drizzle that add a sense of gloom and melancholy. Or maybe it's the way the cold seeps into one's bones, making everything feel even more hopeless.

Whatever the reason, this quote highlights the power of the environment to influence our emotions and perceptions. It makes us think about how the external circumstances can impact our inner state of being.

Overall, it's a thought-provoking quote that adds depth and nuance to the book's exploration of human nature and the human condition.

I think I would have given this book a 5 if I had read it when it came out.

At that time, its fresh perspective and unique narrative style might have had a more profound impact on me.

The story could have taken me on a thrilling adventure, making me completely immersed in its world.

Perhaps I would have been more easily influenced by its ideas and emotions, and felt a stronger connection to the characters.

However, even though I read it later, I still found it to be a remarkable piece of work.

It managed to capture my attention and hold it until the very end.

The author's writing skills are truly outstanding, and the plot is engaging and full of surprises.

Overall, while I may not have given it a 5 had I read it earlier, I still highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

I really enjoyed the chapter on TiVo! It was truly a fascinating exploration of this innovative technology.

TiVo has revolutionized the way we consume television, allowing us to have more control over our viewing experience.

The chapter delved into the history and development of TiVo, highlighting its unique features and how it has changed the landscape of the television industry.

It was interesting to learn about the various ways in which TiVo has adapted and evolved over the years to meet the changing needs and demands of consumers.

Overall, this was an extremely interesting read that provided valuable insights into the world of TiVo and its impact on our lives.

I look forward to reading more about this and other related topics in the future.

The Internet has had a profound impact on various industries, and Wall Street and cable are no exceptions.

It has accelerated the pace of change in these sectors, bringing about significant transformations.

For Wall Street, the Internet has enabled faster access to information, facilitating more informed decision-making.

It has also led to the rise of online trading platforms, democratizing the financial markets.

Cable, on the other hand, has faced intense competition from online streaming services.

The Internet has given consumers more choices and flexibility in how they consume media.

This has forced cable companies to adapt and innovate.

Looking to the future, the continued evolution of the Internet is likely to bring even more changes.

For example, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) could further disrupt these industries.

AI-powered trading algorithms may become more sophisticated, and personalized content recommendations could enhance the streaming experience.

It will be interesting to see how Wall Street and cable adapt to these new challenges and opportunities.

Interesting

The kids described in this book are truly remarkable. They possess an unwavering sense of fearlessness and an abundance of courage. It's as if they have an endless supply of "balls" that allows them to take on any challenge that comes their way. Their boldness and audacity make for a captivating read. Whether it's facing a difficult task, standing up to a bully, or embarking on an adventure, these kids never shy away. Their stories are filled with excitement and inspiration, showing that age is no barrier to being brave and taking risks. It's refreshing to see such young characters with so much confidence and determination.
Cool

“Not really my cup of tea.” This is a common expression that many of us use when something doesn't particularly appeal to us. However, in this case, although it may not be my absolute favorite, it still manages to pique my interest from time to time. The reason for this is quite simple - I have an inherent love for reading about the impacts of technology on society.

Technology has become such an integral part of our lives, and its influence can be seen in every aspect of society. From the way we communicate to the way we work and even the way we think, technology has had a profound impact. Reading about these impacts allows me to gain a better understanding of how our world is evolving and how we can adapt to these changes.

Even though this particular topic may not be my first choice for reading material, I find that it offers valuable insights and perspectives that I wouldn't otherwise have. It challenges me to think critically about the role of technology in our lives and to consider the potential consequences of its continued development. So, while it may not be my cup of tea in the traditional sense, it still holds a certain allure for me.

I remember that when I first read this book, I was not impressed at all.

To be honest, I think it was just too simple and too boring.

There were no complex plot twists or deep philosophical insights that could really engage my mind.

However, as I reflected on some of the quotes from the book, I began to see a different side.

For example, the quote "Where no one could see who he was, he became who he was" made me think about the power of anonymity and how it can sometimes bring out the true essence of a person.

Another quote that caught my attention was "What is the wider society's instinctive attitude toward knowledge? Are we willing to look for it wherever it might be found, or only from the people who are supposed to possess it?"

This made me question our own biases and limitations when it comes to seeking knowledge.

Finally, the quote "By its nature the Internet undermined anyone whose status depended on a privileged access to information" made me realize the profound impact that technology has had on our society and how it has leveled the playing field in many ways.

Overall, while my initial impression of the book was not positive, these quotes have made me think more deeply about the ideas and concepts presented within it.

A thoroughly engaging book indeed!

The author, Michael Lewis, takes on the captivating role of a story-teller. He offers a truly fascinating view of the people who are at the heart of the turmoil brought about by the internet.

The pyramid to pancake theory presented in the book is an absolute eye-opener. It vividly demonstrates how 'outsiders' have been empowered by the extensive reach of the world wide web.

Reading this made me wonder deeply if there is a limit to the number of masks we have to smear on in order to cope with life.

The obsessive need to constantly update our profiles online is quite remarkable. It shows that in the virtual world, you can be whoever you desire to be.

It's a liberating reality, yet it can also be crippling when we consider our changing dependencies.

Nevertheless, it's undeniable that the internet has handed back power from a select few to anyone who is ready and willing to take it on.

This can only be a positive development. A realization that will surely dawn on you as you read this thought-provoking book.

I have perused numerous books penned by Michael Lewis, and for the most part, I have held a favorable opinion of them. "Next" was composed in 2001, and thus I completed it approximately 17 years subsequent to its writing. Given that the book delves into the myriad of changes that the Internet has wrought upon the world, it was fascinating to ascertain whether the perceptions that Michael Lewis had in 2001 have endured as valid. And I must assert that the trends he discerned appear to have persisted.

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the book is that the Internet has leveled the hierarchical structure. People, even 15-year-old adolescents, are leveraging the Internet to amass wealth through investing, to manipulate the stock market, to proffer legal counsel, to disrupt the traditional music industry, and to discern the habits of individuals within the privacy of their own abodes. It seems inevitable that novel technologies and ideas will supplant older ones, and that young prodigies will contrive novel methods of accomplishing tasks. It is futile to resist this change; rather, it is far more advisable to embrace it and discover means to make it work to your advantage and that of others.

The concepts that Lewis expounded upon in 2001 still seem eminently relevant today, albeit in many instances the technology has progressed far beyond what he was cognizant of. I found the book to be both enjoyable and enlightening, and I shall continue to engage with the works of Michael Lewis.

This book was truly enjoyable.

On one hand, it is fascinating to observe the (some might even describe as “quaint”) perspective of how the future of the internet was envisioned 20 years ago. It gives us a unique glimpse into the minds of the authors at that time and how they predicted the evolution of this revolutionary technology.

On the other hand, what makes this book even more valuable are the timeless lessons, insights, and ideas it contains. These can be easily applied to today's context, despite the significant advancements that have occurred in the intervening years. The principles and concepts presented in the book are still relevant and can provide us with valuable guidance as we navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.

Overall, this book is a great read that offers both historical interest and practical wisdom.