In The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society, Norbert Wiener explores cybernetics, emphasizing communication and control in humans and machines. He examines how technology influences society, highlights ethical considerations, and envisions future impacts on human beings. The book delves into the relationship between individuals and systems in an increasingly automated world.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.2

1,123 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Norbert Wiener's The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society offers a profound exploration of cybernetics and its societal implications. Praised for its forward-thinking ideas, it is noted for both its insightful vision and complex language, which may challenge readers. The book remains a seminal work in understanding human and machine interactions.

Who Should Read The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society?

A reader intrigued by the intersection of technology, philosophy, and society would enjoy Norbert Wiener's The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society. Similar audiences are drawn to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and Marshall McLuhan's Understanding Media for their exploration of technology's role in shaping human experience.

4.2

1,123 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Norbert Wiener, the author of The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society, is considered the father of cybernetics, a field that explores the interaction between humans and machines.

The book was first published in 1950 and is one of the earliest works to consider the societal implications of automation and information technology.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Wiener was heavily influenced by his experiences during World War II, where he worked on automatic anti-aircraft systems, and this background informed much of his thinking on human-machine interaction in the book.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The Book Brief page features content created with AI tools guided by SuperSummary experts. Read our content pledge to explore how we innovate using AI combined with deep literary knowledge.

Book Details

Pages

199

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Technology

•

Philosophy

•

Psychology

Setting

1950s

Theme

Topic

•

•

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult