I am intrigued by this book mainly because Peter Thiel said it “tremendously influenced” him.  I am no Thiel’s fan, but he is a student of both philosophy and entrepreneurship, a rare creature among intellectuals.   Anyway, my reaction is not as positive as his.  To be sure, the book’s main insight, that technology determines the returns to organized violence, which in turn shapes the structure of our political systems, is brilliant.  Its critiques of democracy are harsh, sometimes unfair, but not without merits.  Published in 1997, the book predicted, with amazing foresight, the rise of Bitcoin, the threat of cyber warfare, the destructive power of social media, and to the lesser extent, the election of Trump.

Having said that, I am also troubled by the excessive right-wing rhetoric, the covert racism, and above all the obsession with Social Darwinism.  The authors predict nation-states cannot survive the Information Revolution, just like medieval Church did not survive the Industrial Resolution 500 years ago.  The reason, according to the book, is Information Technology will undermine the ability of nation-states to collect taxes and to wage wars in cyberspace.  From the ruins of nation-states shall Sovereign Individuals rise.  These super humans, no longer pledging allegiance to any nation, will simply shop around in an open market of commercialized sovereignties.   Of course, the idea that everyone can and should buy protection service from mafia bosses and warlords who sell it at the lowest price is absurd and dangerous.   It also defies logic and history to suggest protection against violence would become more cost effective by simply unleashing competitions. What is most horrifying, however, is the book’s complete lack of concern for the “losers or leftbehinds” who are incapable of becoming Sovereign Individuals.  The authors thought these losers will fight tooth and nail to save their “license to steal” (from Sovereign Individuals) but shall not prevail.   Beyond that, their fate is unclear but ceases to be a concern.

In summary, reading this book is sort of like eating spicy crayfish (麻辣小龙虾).  If one is willing to peel off the nasty red shell, there are delicious treats awaiting，although some may find the reward unworthy of the effort.  Stay away if you are allergic to spicy food.