Move Fast and Break Things

Book summary

Jonathan Taplin is an American writer and film producer. Since 2004 he’s been a teacher at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He began his career as a concert producer for legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan and The Band, which led to producing movies such as Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets. He is also the author of the 2010 book Outlaw Blues: Adventures in the Counter-Culture Wars.

Government and public sector initiatives have often been the driving force behind groundbreaking innovations, contrary to the common belief that profit-driven entrepreneurs are solely responsible. The internet, for instance, owes its existence to DARPA-funded projects like Doug Engelbart’s NLS system and ARPANET, which introduced foundational technologies such as the TCP/IP protocol. Similarly, Bell Labs, established under FCC regulations requiring reinvestment in public-benefit research, produced transformative inventions like the transistor and microchip. However, the narrative has shifted to glorify free-market innovation while dismissing government contributions. This perception has fueled practices like tax avoidance and monopolistic behaviors among tech giants, exacerbating wealth inequality and stifling competition. Yet, history shows that collaboration—whether through artist cooperatives, community action, or cultural works like Aldous Huxley’s cautionary *Brave New World*—can challenge these imbalances and foster a more equitable future.

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