Book · 2018 · History
The Perfectionists
How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World
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I recommend a book by Simon Winchester called "The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World.
Stewart Brand · The Ezra Klein Show · Apr 2026 Listen at 49:33 Why people recommend it
The Perfectionists by Simon Winchester is a historical narrative that examines how precision engineering and the pursuit of exact measurements enabled the creation of the modern industrial world. When Stewart Brand appeared as a guest on The Ezra Klein Show on April 24, 2026, in the episode Stewart Brand on LSD, A.I. Black Boxes and the Beauty of Care, he formally shared the title as part of his curated book recommendations during the conversation. Stewart Brand presented the work by explicitly naming Simon Winchester as the author and referencing the full subtitle, which highlights how precision engineers forged contemporary civilization. Although he did not provide an extensive critique or detailed breakdown of every historical figure profiled within the text, his endorsement drew direct attention to the profound impact that tools, manufacturing standards, and technological accuracy have had on human progress. The mention aligned naturally with the guest's long-standing intellectual interests in technology, history, and the practical mechanisms that drive societal evolution. Through this brief yet focused recommendation, listeners were directed toward a compelling exploration of the unsung inventors, machinists, and scientists whose meticulous work laid the physical foundation for modern global infrastructure.
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Stewart Brand I recommend a book by Simon Winchester called "The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Mode… 1
“I recommend a book by Simon Winchester called "The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World."”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“joining us now is Simon Winchester author of many books recently at Atlantic Pacific forthcoming the perfectionists a brief history of precision a very intriguing title”
“we can look forward to your next book The perfectionist a brief history of Precision coming next May”