Some of the world’s most important breakthroughs have come out of Bell Labs, including the first transistor, the laser, radio astronomy, the dawn of cellular and satellite communications and the beginnings of artificial intelligence. Bell Labs was also the birthplace of the UNIX computer operating system, C++ and numerous programming languages.
I also enjoyed (Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration) on a similar topic but have to do with movies and creativity of a scale that is not been pulled off by any other movie studio so far is:
Youe description of Bell Labs as a monopoly makes me wonder a bit about howthe same factors could be applied in positive ways elsewhere. While I do think monopolies are bad as they can squash higher goals and impact "consumers" negatively, my take is that, having large pockets and established standards, the Bell Labs folks were able to innovate in bigger ways because it was a regulated environment to an extent where strong minds with a positive vision were able to just do their thang. In short, it was a regulated entity that was interested in money, just not totally. A very unique situation in industry. To me, it's kinda (but not exactly) like the argument for universal healthcare. Basically most medical folks are employees of the state. If one wants to make more money or provide very specific service, they can go into private practice (like is common in most countries for patients that want something different or a higher degree of attention). In short, some fields require regulation of some sort to make sure it's not all a cash grab. And yes, I just made this political.
I completely agree with the observation that monopolies can, under the right circumstances, produce some phenomenal, world-bending results. I think people can take away all sorts of lessons from this. At a nuanced level, folks should realize that there were other unique factors in AT&T's incredible success at innovating, with the Silicon Valley revolution being the only thing even comparable (and completely dependent upon the work done at Bell Labs to boot).
Essentially, this ripe mixture got us a century's worth of innovation, and maybe a whole lot more.... but the interdisciplinary nature, the emphasis on curiosity and exploring in order to find something practical - I think these elements were at least as important. Dummies would only copy the monopolistic aspect or use it to justify a monopoly, but there's more to the story.
You forgot that lasers also go "pew pew" or "Kpisssssh, woom, woom, woom," depending on which Star Wars weapon iteration they're used in (blasters and light sabers, respectively).
Hardly anyone realizes UNIX/Linux runs the web and other internet services.
The world runs on Linux, and Linux runs on C.
No UNIX, no Linux, right?
Not necessarily, but yes, Linux was created by Linus to have his own UNIX for less than a large financial commitment.
Bell certainly was one of the most exemplary of American research laboratories, with perhaps only General Electric rivalling their achievements.
Ooh, good callout. Let's make a list of GE innovations as well.
I thought you all may want to read this:
https://www.nj.com/essex/2024/01/remembering-bell-labs-as-legendary-idea-factory-prepares-to-leave-nj-home.html?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=d659e98d37-briefing-dy-20240119&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b27a691814-d659e98d37-50964624
Some of the world’s most important breakthroughs have come out of Bell Labs, including the first transistor, the laser, radio astronomy, the dawn of cellular and satellite communications and the beginnings of artificial intelligence. Bell Labs was also the birthplace of the UNIX computer operating system, C++ and numerous programming languages.
By the way, I just started listening to "The Idea Factory" on your recommendation. Good stuff so far!
I am glad you are liking it so far.
Another book that you have not read it on the Bell Lab and about UNIX history which I enjoyed is (UNIX: A History and a Memoir):
https://www.amazon.com/UNIX-History-Memoir-Brian-Kernighan/dp/1695978552
I also enjoyed (Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration) on a similar topic but have to do with movies and creativity of a scale that is not been pulled off by any other movie studio so far is:
https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Inc-Overcoming-Unseen-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B00FUZQYBO/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BN18V3R3PWQV&keywords=creativity+inc&qid=1706545749&s=digital-text&sprefix=creati%2Cdigital-text%2C62&sr=1-1
Nice! Ever read Stephen Johnson? He has done stuff about where ideas come from. I like his stuff.
I have heard of him and his book "Where Good Ideas Come From" is on my reading list for a few years. I will find time to read it this year.
That's a good one! Let me know what you think if/when you get a chance.
I will.
Youe description of Bell Labs as a monopoly makes me wonder a bit about howthe same factors could be applied in positive ways elsewhere. While I do think monopolies are bad as they can squash higher goals and impact "consumers" negatively, my take is that, having large pockets and established standards, the Bell Labs folks were able to innovate in bigger ways because it was a regulated environment to an extent where strong minds with a positive vision were able to just do their thang. In short, it was a regulated entity that was interested in money, just not totally. A very unique situation in industry. To me, it's kinda (but not exactly) like the argument for universal healthcare. Basically most medical folks are employees of the state. If one wants to make more money or provide very specific service, they can go into private practice (like is common in most countries for patients that want something different or a higher degree of attention). In short, some fields require regulation of some sort to make sure it's not all a cash grab. And yes, I just made this political.
I completely agree with the observation that monopolies can, under the right circumstances, produce some phenomenal, world-bending results. I think people can take away all sorts of lessons from this. At a nuanced level, folks should realize that there were other unique factors in AT&T's incredible success at innovating, with the Silicon Valley revolution being the only thing even comparable (and completely dependent upon the work done at Bell Labs to boot).
Essentially, this ripe mixture got us a century's worth of innovation, and maybe a whole lot more.... but the interdisciplinary nature, the emphasis on curiosity and exploring in order to find something practical - I think these elements were at least as important. Dummies would only copy the monopolistic aspect or use it to justify a monopoly, but there's more to the story.
Are you suggesting that people tend to oversimplify stuff? SHOCKING.
I guess that's pretty much what I say every day here, isn't it?
I would say Transistor. There is a great book about the Bell Lab if you have not read it:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Idea-Factory-Jon-Gertner-audiobook/dp/B007TUQ3DC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ED2PBDA02F0H&keywords=Bell+Lab&qid=1705960943&s=books&sprefix=bell+lab%2Cstripbooks%2C66&sr=1-1
Nice, thanks!
The transistor is incredibly important. It's definitely a contender.
Here is an excellent post about Bell Lab if you have not read it:
https://www.freaktakes.com/p/how-did-places-like-bell-labs-know
The story of Bell Labs is truly something to learn about. Fascinating!
You forgot that lasers also go "pew pew" or "Kpisssssh, woom, woom, woom," depending on which Star Wars weapon iteration they're used in (blasters and light sabers, respectively).
A light saber is basically a laser that doesn't go anywhere.
A "lazy-er," if you will.
This is why we're business partners.