The Word "Hacker"
21 hours ago
- The term 'hacker' has two meanings: a computer intruder in popular press, and a skilled programmer among programmers.
- The noun 'hack' can refer to an ugly solution or a clever rule-breaking solution, with ugly ones being more common.
- Hacking predates computers, as seen in Richard Feynman's safe-cracking during the Manhattan Project.
- Hackers' disobedience stems from intellectual curiosity, which is often misunderstood by authorities.
- Hackers oppose strong intellectual property laws because they threaten the freedom needed to innovate.
- Major tech innovations (e.g., IBM's business computer, Unix) often come from outsiders, not established groups.
- New intellectual property laws restrict studying current technology, hindering development of new ideas.
- Hackers are uniformly critical of these laws, suggesting they may harm rather than protect America.
- Hacking's unruly essence aligns with American values, fostering innovation and wealth, as seen in Silicon Valley.
- Civil liberties are economically beneficial, and hackers are sensitive to their erosion, which could lead to bad ideas winning.