Life After Google Book Summary

Book Summary

15 min

Brief Summary

Life After Google: The Fall of Big Data and the Rise of the Blockchain Economy by George Gilder explores the limitations of the centralized big data model dominated by tech giants like Google. Gilder predicts a shift toward a decentralized future powered by blockchain technology, which promises greater security, privacy, and innovation. The book critiques the current internet economy's reliance on free services funded by advertising and envisions a new era where individuals regain control over their data and transactions.

About the Author

George Gilder is an American investor, writer, economist, techno-update advocate, and co-founder of the Discovery Institute. He is the author of Wealth and Poverty, published in 1981 that supported a practical and moral case for supply-side economics and capitalism during the early months of the Reagan administration. He was born in New York City. He graduated from Harvard University in 1962 and worked as a fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps.

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Key Insights

There is no denying that Google is a modern powerhouse of information.

But, what happens if one day Google just disappears?

Where will all our free knowledge go?
Who will swoop in to save us?

This is where cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and bitcoin enter the scene.

In “Life After Google” George Gilder explores how Google is certain to come to an end in the future. And, how cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and bitcoin will replace it.

“Yet I believe the Google system of the world will fail, indeed be swept away in our time (and I am seventy-eight!). It will fail because its every major premise will fail.”- George Gilder

By understanding how technology is changing and how Google will no longer suit us in the future, you will be able to see the ever-changing world through Gilder’s eyes.

It’s All About That Big Data

Google’s system has most definitely defined the world today. Google informs the technology we use every day. It defines our institutions. And, it shapes our lives with the knowledge it gives to us.

Google’s vision is set up around big data. It collects all the information that’s put out into the internet universe. With that information it extracts new information from it through their famous ever-changing algorithms.

Google started with a database of just internet information. But, since then it has come to include maps, books, and even face recognition! Google wants to know everything, so privacy does not go hand-in-hand with their vision.

On top of that, they have expanded to Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, you name it!

Google makes their money through advertising. People are paying Google by showing them attention, rather than sending them a subscription fee.

“Google offers to its “customers” is free. Internet searches are free. Email is free. The vast resources of the data centers, costing Google an estimated thirty billion dollars to build, are provided essentially for free. Free is not by accident. If your business plan is to have access to the data of the entire world, then free is an imperative.”- George Gilder

Though Google seems like it has everything under the sun to offer, it has gained the title of “Siren Server” by Jason Lanier, who argues that Google is going to be the death of itself in the future.

Artificial Intelligence

The field of artificial intelligence is growing. And, people involved with the cause understand that though it is dangerous work, it is inevitable. So, even though they are working toward the cause, they believe in informing people of its danger too.

Though, for artificial intelligence to really be a threat, it needs to be a complete system. That means it has one theory that covers everything. And, for that it would have to be specifically programmed that way.

But, any logical system depends on the situation, so it cannot be complete. There always needs to be an external authority or force.

“Whereas Google envisages an era of machine dominance through artificial intelligence, you will rule your machines, and they will serve you as intelligent, willing slaves. You will be the “oracle” that programs your...