Evan Nesterak is the Editor-in-Chief of Behavioral Scientist.
Techno-Visions
Early on in Player Piano, Paul crosses the river into Homestead to buy a “bottle of Irish” for Finnerty. While waiting for the bartender to retrieve the whiskey, Paul suffers through an awkward and embarrassing exchange with two gentlemen at the bar. There is Rudy Hertz, a retired machinist full
Techno-Visions
Why did Kurt Vonnegut choose the title Player Piano? Although I first picked up the book 15 or 20 years ago, I never gave the question much thought. There are a couple of scenes with a player piano in the bar in Homestead, but they seem to serve a supporting
Techno-Visions
“It’s just the most marvelous practical joke,” Kurt Vonnegut says about writing. “Because imagine just making little marks on paper and having somebody cry. The damn fool will really weep, or get frightened. I just think it’s hilarious to do something to somebody with a piece of paper.
Techno-Visions
This weekend, I received a handful of emails from members who wanted to share a thought or an article or a question that connected to Player Piano and the Techno-Visions theme. It was great to find them in my inbox, but I wondered, wouldn't other members like to
Techno-Visions
Early on in Player Piano, star engineer and insufferable malcontent, Ed Finnerty delivers one of Vonnegut’s more memorable lines; a line of his that people still like to quote today. “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over,” Finnerty tells protagonist Paul
Techno-Visions
And we’re off! This week is the official start of Techno-Visions. It means it’s time to get reading, and that you can keep your eyes out for bonus content starting this week. We’ll also announce the expert conversation lineup soon. As we begin, I want to share
Techno-Visions
We’re beaming this letter to you through the Summer Book Club website. The purpose of the message is threefold: welcome you to the club, put the communication system through its paces, and share a lesson from Uncle Alex. Welcome and Getting Started First, I want to welcome you to
Techno-Visions
This summer, we invite you to join Behavioral Scientist’s Summer Book Club: Techno-Visions. We’ll read Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, Player Piano, about a future society full of powerful machines, the special class of engineers who manages them, and the people at the mercy of both. The 1952 novel