Many hoped that the march of technology would usher in an egalitarian utopia – but some foresaw the threat it would pose to liberal society. Why did nobody listen?

By Jill Lepore. Read by Laurel Lefkow

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Adapted from The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State by Jill Lepore, published by Allen Lane on 25 August. To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com

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© Photograph: Underwood Archives, Inc/Alamy

© Photograph: Underwood Archives, Inc/Alamy

© Photograph: Underwood Archives, Inc/Alamy

Beyond Elon Musk’s interpretation of The Odyssey, Silicon Valley leaders have often misunderstood classic books like Foundation and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s evident in their tech.

Beyond Elon Musk’s interpretation of The Odyssey, Silicon Valley leaders have often misunderstood classic books like Foundation and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s evident in their tech.