Podcast
Revisionist History
It was described as a compelling biography of Shockley, particularly the chapter about his work during World War II, which was described as insane, with Shockley playing a crucial problem-solving role.
I believe that William Shockley was, in terms of practical impact on the world, one of the most important scientists of the 20th century.
— Episode: Silicon Valley on the Couch
Episode: Silicon Valley on the Couch
It was described as a compelling biography of Shockley, particularly the chapter about his work during World War II, which was described as insane, with Shockley playing a crucial problem-solving role.
I believe that William Shockley was, in terms of practical impact on the world, one of the most important scientists of the 20th century.
And then Shurkin goes on to convince you why that's true.
The most compelling chapter of the book is not the part about Shockley's role in the invention of the transistor, arguably one of the one or two most important innovations of the 20th century.
No, it's the chapter on what Shockley did during the Second World War. It's insane.