Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age

In his book "Tools and Weapons," Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, argues that companies in the technology industry must take responsibility for the impact of their products on society and that governments must regulate technology to catch up with the pace of innovation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

A comprehensive and insightful exploration of the most pressing debates in technology today, this book has been recognized as a New York Times bestseller and a selection for the World Economic Forum Book Club. Authored by Bill Gates, a renowned figure in the technology industry, the book offers a captivating insiders perspective on how technology is both empowering and posing significant threats. Covering a range of topics, from privacy to cyberattacks, this timely guide provides valuable insights for navigating the digital future.

Walter Isaacson, the bestselling author of Steve Jobs, contributes his expertise to the book, providing a frank and thoughtful examination of the challenges posed by the rapid digitization of our world. With new chapters addressing the impact of the pandemic, the book offers a comprehensive reckoning with the balance between enormous promise and existential risk.

At the heart of Tools and Weapons is Microsoft President Brad Smith's belief that when technology changes the world, it is incumbent upon companies to take responsibility for the impact they have on society. This perspective stands in contrast to the tech sector's historical focus on rapid growth and disruption as ends in themselves. As we enter a new era defined by even more powerful inventions such as artificial intelligence, it is clear that new approaches are needed to manage the potential risks and benefits of technology.

In this book, Brad Smith and Carol Ann Browne offer a captivating narrative from the cockpit of one of the world's largest and most powerful tech companies. Through their experiences, they shed light on the complex challenges faced by Microsoft as it navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of technology. The book provides a valuable perspective on the role of companies in shaping the future and the need for governments to regulate technology in a way that keeps pace with innovation.

Overall, Tools and Weapons is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of technology, society, and politics. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and opportunities that arise in a world where technology is shaping our lives in unprecedented ways.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529351583