Hatching Twitter

Hatching Twitter reveals that one of the world’s most influential social media platforms was not born from clarity or harmony, but from conflict, uncertainty, and desperation. The book demonstrates that revolutionary ideas often emerge accidentally and evolve not through flawless execution but through relentless experimentation and survival against odds. Twitter’s founders never agreed on what the platform should be, and this ongoing identity crisis shaped every stage of its development—from Jack’s early concept of personal broadcasting to Ev’s vision of a global news network. The battles between co-founders illustrate a broader truth about startups: success can destroy the relationships that create it. The human cost of innovation is real, and the myth of the lone genius inventor seldom reflects reality. Twitter’s path was driven by competing perspectives, emotional fractures, boardroom coups, and the unstoppable momentum of an idea that outgrew its creators. Ultimately, the book forces readers to confront difficult questions: What responsibility do technologists have when their inventions reshape society? How much control should founders retain once their creations become public institutions? And is it possible to build a world-changing company without losing something vital along the way? Twitter’s story suggests that brilliance and chaos often coexist—and that history remembers products more than the people who sacrifice themselves to build them.

Nick Bilton is an investigative journalist, author, and former columnist and technology reporter for The New York Times. Known for his deep examinations of Silicon Valley culture, he writes with a cinematic narrative style and combines rigorous research with dramatic storytelling. His work often explores the intersection between technology, society, and human psychology, and he has authored several books that analyze the rise of tech giants and the personalities behind them. Bilton’s insider access and willingness to expose uncomfortable truths have earned him a reputation for bringing transparency to a world that often operates behind closed doors.