'The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age' by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg was published in 1997 (originally under the title 'The Sovereign Individual: How to Survive and Thrive During the Collapse of the Welfare State') and it explores the impact of digital technology and proposes a new model for individual sovereignty in the information age.
What is it about (short version)?
An analysis of the ways in which the rise of the internet and other digital technologies are reshaping the world and transforming the dynamics of society with particular reference to the opportunities for individuals.
What is it about (long version)?
The Sovereign Individual presents the idea that individuals are becoming increasingly empowered to control their own destiny in the digital age. The authors argue that the decentralisation and democratisation of information through technology are creating new opportunities to escape the constraints of traditional power structures and offers new pathways to societal and individual success. They predict that as governments and corporations lose their monopolies, individuals will be better able to assert control over their lives.
One of the key insights of the book is the authors' prediction of the decline of traditional nation-states and the rise of new forms of governance and social organisation. They argue that as individuals become more mobile and connected through digital networks, traditional borders will become less relevant and governments will struggle to maintain their authority, in multiple ways, over their citizens. This shift will lead to a new era of individual sovereignty (hence the title) in which individuals choose where and how to live based on their own preferences and values.
The Sovereign Individual also explores the implications for economics, politics and society more broadly. The authors argue that there will be new opportunities for wealth creation and entrepreneurship, as individuals are able to leverage digital technologies to create and exchange value more efficiently,, and freely, under voluntarily agreement rather than by coercive force. Although perhaps the negative costs to those left off the life-raft should be explored in greater detail.
Overall, it is a thought-provoking and prescient book offering a unique vision of society in the digital age. The authors' analysis of the way in which technology is reshaping power dynamics and individual autonomy is both insightful and provocative, and their predictions about individual sovereignty are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
Should I read it?
Yes. Without a doubt. The Sovereign Individual was / is a groundbreaking book for readers interested in exploring the implications of digital technology on society and the individual. However, the book is quite weighty and written over 25 years ago, before some Stackers and Bitcoin were born, so specific predictions have not come to pass as anticipated.
Anyone else write like this?
No one to my mind in the non-fiction realm, however, the following highlight the impact of new and emerging technologies; 'The Fourth Industrial Revolution' by Klaus Schwab, 'The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires' by Tim Wu and the now classic 'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler
Does it have bitcoin in it?
No. It obviously predates Bitcoin but with some tantalising glimpses of the future;
'the worlds wealth will be transcended by mathematical algorithm's that have no physical existence'...
so Chapter 7 will likely give you chills. And prominent Bitcoiner Saifedean Ammous gives the book high praise.
(Please note this review is based upon the 1999 edition and there may be additions in the 2020 reprint.)
10/10 (given its significance to present day)