Book Review: "Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the…" by Malcolm Harris
Palo Alto had been on my radar for a while, but it only fully captured my attention just after the 2023 Kentucky Derby, a week marred by tragedy as seven horses lost their lives. These grim headlines felt like a microcosm of what Malcolm Harris explores in his compelling historical narrative, where the pain of exploitation and the relentless push of capitalism echo far beyond the racetrack. Harris, a child of California, weaves a complex tapestry that connects the history of Silicon Valley to both the grand ambitions of Leland Stanford and the untold suffering often overshadowed in the name of progress.
Harris’s book is dense but insightful, probing the sinister sides of capitalism that many would prefer to ignore. He masterfully intertwines the tale of Stanford’s pioneering enterprise in horse augmentation with a critique of bionomics—the unsettling philosophy that drives us to optimize both humans and animals for economic gain. This connection resonates deeply when we recognize the systemic violence underlying the pursuit of “better” through data and science. The imagery sticks: just as horses were pushed to their limits, so too are workers, communities, and even our planet.
What struck me most was Harris’s dexterous narrative style. He can shift from the fascinating lives of lesser-known figures, like Herbert Hoover, to scathing yet humorous critiques of more prominent personalities, all while maintaining a captivating flow. His approach is both personal and broadly scoped; it’s clear he cares deeply about the implications of the systems he describes. It’s this duality that reminded me of his prior work, Kid These Days, as he continues to unravel the concept of human capital and its ripple effects on my generation.
The book doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of its subject. Harris starkly lays bare how capitalism remains indifferent to humanity. Capitalists, once enchanted by the idea of wealth for wealth’s sake, have built a world where human dignity often takes a backseat to the drive for profit. I found this perspective chilling but necessary, a reminder of the real stakes involved in our everyday lives—where the allure of technology often masks systemic injustices like rising debt, mass incarceration, and increasing inequality.
Harris’s bias is transparent, and he wears it as a badge of honor. He challenges readers to take a stance, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths of our reality versus the glossy narratives propagated by Silicon Valley elites. It’s a bold, refreshing take that compels you to engage in the debate about what progress truly looks like. If you think the status quo is deserving of an uncritical embrace, Harris might just make you reconsider your stance.
"Palo Alto" is not merely an exploration of a place; it’s an urgent call to action, full of vibrant anecdotes and piercing insights. It’s a poignant narrative that will resonate with anyone who has felt the weight of capitalism’s consequences, whether they’re students, workers, activists, or just inquisitive minds looking for context in today’s chaotic world. I finished the book not only more informed but with a sense of urgency to engage with these issues more meaningfully.
If you’re looking for a read that blends humor, history, and a stern warning about the future, Malcolm Harris’s Palo Alto invites you on an enlightening, albeit somber, journey through the tangled roots of modern life. It’s the kind of book that lingers, prompting reflection long after the last page is turned.
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