In 'Close to the Machine', Ellen Ullman invites readers into the intricate world of software engineering, blending memoir and technical insight. She recounts her journey through the male-dominated tech landscape of the 1990s, where code becomes both a language of clarity and a reflection of the human experience. Ullman's prose reveals the beauty and chaos of programming, exploring the connection between technology and creative expression. As she navigates her own identity and relationships, readers are left pondering the personal cost of an increasingly digital age. This thought-provoking narrative challenges us to consider how closely we live with machines and what it means to be human in their presence.
By Ellen Ullman
Published: 2012
"We are, in our essence, machines made of flesh, interconnected and driven by narratives, yet yearning for understanding."
Originally published in 1997 by City Lights Books.
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“We are, in our essence, machines made of flesh, interconnected and driven by narratives, yet yearning for understanding.”
Close to the Machine
By Ellen Ullman
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Ellen Ullman is an acclaimed American author and essayist known for her influential works that explore the intersection of technology, society, and the human experience. Notable for her books including 'The Bug,' 'Close to the Machine,' and 'Life Among the Cyborgs,' Ullman offers a unique perspective on the information age, drawing from her background in software engineering and her experiences in the tech industry. Her writing style is characterized by its incisive observations, lyrical prose, and deep philosophical inquiries, often blending personal narrative with critical analysis of the digital world. Through her essays and fiction, Ullman challenges readers to reflect on the implications of technology in our lives, making her a pivotal voice in contemporary discussions about the digital landscape.
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