Book · 2016 · Technology & Engineering
Rise of the Machines
A Cybernetic History
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So um if you kind of trace all the way back to the 1930s, there's a great book called Rise of the Machines that kind of goes through this.
Marc Andreessen · a16z Podcast · Jan 2026 Listen at 2:21 The best things said about it
There's a book called "Rise of the Machines" that has the prehistory of AI, and, I believe I remember correctly, there were actually debates about this in the 1930s.
Why people recommend it
Rise of the Machines by Thomas Rid is a historical examination of the origins of cybernetics and artificial intelligence. The book explores the technological and philosophical roots that trace far back into the twentieth century. On the a16z Podcast episode titled Marc Andreessen's 2026 Outlook: AI Timelines, US vs. China, and The Price of AI, broadcast on January 7, 2026, guest Marc Andreessen brought up Thomas Rid's work. Andreessen mentioned the book to illustrate how today's technological conversations have deep historical roots, noting that computer inventions and related debates actually trace all the way back to the 1930s. Later, on an episode of Cheeky Pint titled Marc Andreessen and Charlie Songhurst on the past, present, and future of Silico, released on October 1, 2025, John Collison also discussed the book. Collison referenced Thomas Rid's text when talking about the prehistory of artificial intelligence, remarking that he recalled debates surrounding these concepts taking place as early as the 1930s. Both speakers utilized the book to ground contemporary discussions about modern technology and artificial intelligence within a broader historical context, emphasizing that debates over automation and machine capabilities are far older than many modern observers might initially assume.
Every mention
John Collison There's a book called "Rise of the Machines" that has the prehistory of AI, and, I believe I remember corre… 1
“There's a book called "Rise of the Machines" that has the prehistory of AI, and, I believe I remember correctly, there were actually debates about this in the 1930s.”
Marc Andreessen So um if you kind of trace all the way back to the 1930s, there's a great book called Rise of the Machines… 1
“So um if you kind of trace all the way back to the 1930s, there's a great book called Rise of the Machines that kind of goes through this.”
