Luddites and the AI Reckoning — Brian Merchant #003

What if the Luddites weren't the enemies of technology we've been taught to believe they were?

In this conversation, acclaimed tech journalist Brian Merchant (@bcmerchant) unpacks the true history of the Luddites — skilled workers who fought back not against innovation itself, but against the concentration of power, wealth, and control that accompanied the Industrial Revolution. Their story offers a striking lens through which to view today's rapid advances in artificial intelligence and automation.

Daniel and Brian explore how many of the same forces that reshaped society two centuries ago are at work again today, as powerful technologies transform the economy, redefine creative work, and challenge our sense of agency. From worker resistance and corporate influence to surveillance, automation, and the future of human dignity, this discussion reveals why understanding the past may be essential to navigating what's coming next.

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