Permanent Record
Edward Snowden, the man who risked everything to expose the US government’s system of mass surveillance, reveals for the first time the story of his life, including how he helped to build that system and what motivated him to try to bring it down. In 2013, twenty-nine-year-old Edward Snowden shocked the world when he broke with the American intelligence establishment and revealed that the United States government was secretly pursuing the means to collect every single phone call, text message, and email. The result would be an unprecedented system of mass surveillance with the ability to pry into the private lives of every person on earth. Six years later, Snowden reveals for the very first time how he helped to build this system and why he was moved to expose it. Spanning the bucolic Beltway suburbs of his childhood and the clandestine CIA and NSA postings of his adulthood, Permanent Record is the extraordinary account of a bright young man who grew up online – a man who became a spy, a whistleblower, and, in exile, the Internet’s conscience. Written with wit, grace, passion, and an unflinching candor, Permanent Record is a crucial memoir of our digital age and destined to be a classic.
Stats for nerds
22recommend
64mentions
51people
2019–2026years
39% recommend61% neutral
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
- 1984, George Orwell
Permanent Record, Edward Snowden
My Early Life, Winston S. Churchill
Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes
Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand
Edit: To some extent probably also:
The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
Don Quijote, Miguel de Cervantes
- The Structure of Scientific Revolutions- Thomas Kuhn (oldie but goldie)
Permanent Record -Ed Snowden (maybe a little dated but still fairly relevant)
- THESE:
1. "The Shadow Factory" by James Bamford James Bamford takes you behind the scenes of the NSA's domestic surveillance operations, providing an unparalleled look into their methods and motivations. With access to exclusive sources, Bamford delves into the agency's quest for information on modern threats while raising questions about privacy and security.
2. "Fake: Forgery, Lies, & eBay" by Kenneth Walton Discover the world of art scams and online manipulation through the lens of eBay's unregulated auction system. Walton's account details how con artists exploited the platform, luring unsuspecting bidders and amassing fortunes. This captivating narrative sheds light on both high-profile scammers and their unsuspecting victims, prompting shifts in eBay's policies.
3. "The Flying Tigers: The Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan" by Sam Kleiner Sam Kleiner unveils the thrilling tale of American pilots who, before Pearl Harbor, were secretly recruited to aid Chinese allies against Japan. As events unfolded, they found themselves on the front lines of the Pacific war. This untold story sheds light on their bravery and the pivotal role they played during a critical time.
4. "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit" by Michael Finkel Delve into the fascinating life of Christopher Knight, who disappeared into the wilderness for nearly three decades. Finkel's narrative explores Knight's survival in harsh conditions, his resourcefulness, and the mysteries surrounding his isolated existence. It's a thought-provoking exploration of solitude, community, and the human spirit.
5."The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession" by Michael Finkel Unearth the astonishing true-crime account of Stéphane Breitwieser, one of the world's most prolific art thieves. Finkel delves into Breitwieser's audacious exploits, shedding light on his motivations, the world of stolen art, and the complex dynamics of his criminal pursuits.
6. "Permanent Record" by Edward Snowden Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed mass surveillance by the US government, opens up about his life and the events that led him to expose the system he helped build. This memoir provides an insider's perspective on the motives, challenges, and consequences of his actions.
7. "September's Camera" by Jeffrey Scarborough Jeff Scarborough recounts his harrowing experience as the sole cameraman during the 9/11 attacks. His lens captured the unfolding tragedy and its aftermath, offering a unique perspective on that fateful day and a career spent capturing human fragility in various forms.
These non-fiction gems offer thought-provoking narratives, from the hidden world of espionage to tales of survival and resilience. Dive into these pages and embark on a journey through history, art, and human stories that have shaped our world. Happy reading!
- The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Age_of_Surveillance_Capi...
And Permanent Record by Snowden
- * "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman (1 mention) * Summary: Postman contrasts the dystopian visions of George Orwell's "1984" and Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" to argue that western society is becoming a shallow, entertainment-driven culture shaped by television and other media. He discusses the profound effects of television on politics, education, and other aspects of society.
* "Howard Zinn: A People's History of the US" by Howard Zinn (1 mention) * Summary: This book offers an alternative exploration of American history from the perspective of ordinary people and marginalized groups rather than from political leaders, emphasizing class struggles and systemic injustices.
* "The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science" by Isaac Asimov (1 mention) * Summary: A comprehensive outline of scientific knowledge, covering fields like physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth science. It communicates complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to non-specialist readers.
* "Das Kapital" by Karl Marx (1 mention) * Summary: A comprehensive critique of capitalism highlighting its inherent contradictions and imbalances. Marx diagnoses the capitalist system as one in which the rich get richer at the expense of the working class. The book has been influential in shaping socialist and communist thought.
* "Handbook of Electronic Circuits" (1 mention, authors not specified) * Summary: An extensive reference guide that provides information on basic electronic circuits and components. It delves into the world of electronics with detailed illustrations and designs, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and professionals in the field.
* "Simulacra and Simulation" by Jean Baudrillard (1 mention) * Summary: This philosophical work explores the nature and cultural implications of signs and images in contemporary society. Baudrillard posits that symbols and signs have replaced reality and meaning, creating a hyperreal world where simulations of reality have become more real than reality itself.
* "LSD: My Problem Child" by Albert Hofmann (1 mention) * Summary: This autobiographical work by Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who first synthesized LSD, discusses his discovery and personal experiences with the drug, exploring both the positive and negative effects of LSD, its influence on society, and its potential therapeutic uses.
* "Requiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power" by Noam Chomsky (1 mention) * Summary: Chomsky provides an extensive critique of inequality in America, arguing that the concentration of wealth and power among a small elite is undermining democracy. He lays out 10 principles of concentration of wealth and power that have led to this situation.
* "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage" by Alfred Lansing (1 mention) * Summary: This true account of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton's 1914-1916 expedition turned survival story. When his ship, the Endurance, was crushed by ice and left Shackleton and his crew stranded, they embarked on a harrowing and miraculous voyage to safety.
* "Hacker's Handbook" by Hugo Cornwall (1 mention) * Summary: A guidebook for computer enthusiasts that provides a look at the world of hacking. It covers a range of topics, including telephone and computer hacking, as well as legal implications.
* "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan (1 mention) * Summary: This widely-admired book introduces the universe beyond the Earth. Sagan explores our place in the universe, the history of scientific discovery, and the crucial role of critical thinking in grasping our world and the vast cosmos we are part of.
* "Six Pillars of Self-Esteem" by Nathaniel Branden (1 mention) * Summary: This book provides a comprehensive exploration of self-esteem, its importance, its sources, and how to cultivate it. It offers concrete strategies to enhance self-esteem, which Branden argues is a key component of psychological health and personal fulfillment.
* "Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler (1 mention) * Summary: Future Shock examines the psychological and sociological impact of accelerating technological and social change. Toffler introduces the concept of "future shock" as a form of psychological disorientation caused by a rapid change in society and advocates for a more measured and conscious approach to future planning.
* "The Metropolis and Mental Life" by Georg Simmel (1 mention) * Summary: This seminal essay analyzes the effects of the urban environment on the individual's mind and social relationships. Simmel argues that the impersonality and money-centered economy of the metropolis lead to individuals feeling more alienated and adopting a defensive, blase attitude towards life.
* "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power" by Shoshana Zuboff (1 mention) * Summary: This book provides an extensive critique of the commodification of personal data by corporations in the digital age. Zuboff explores the rise of surveillance capitalism, where businesses harvest and analyze customer data to predict and influence behaviors.
* "Permanent Record" by Edward Snowden (1 mention) * Summary: In this powerful memoir, whistle-blower Edward Snowden tells his story on why he decided to expose the mass surveillance practices of the U.S. government. Permanent Record opens a broader conversation about free societies, privacy, surveillance, and what makes a country strong.
- After reading Edward Snowden's autobiography (Permanent Record, great read), I feel like Tor, end-to-end encryption and similar solutions/products are basically a dagger through the heart of intelligence services. As such, I find it hard to believe that they knowingly gave the public such tools. And if they did, it sure as hell backfired on them.
