Jill Lepore on Tech's 'Artificial State'
Jill Lepore critiques Silicon Valley's use of soaring language, likening it to forming a new government. Her theory sheds light on the tech industry's approach to product description, as explored in her book 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State'.

Historian Jill Lepore has developed a theory regarding the tech industry's propensity for using grandiose language when describing their products. This phenomenon is akin to the formation of a new government, with examples such as Twitter's 'town hall in your pocket' and Anthropic's Claude constitution. Lepore's theory, as outlined in her upcoming book 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State', does not portray Silicon Valley in a favorable light.
Lepore's work provides insight into the tech industry's approach to product description, highlighting the tendency to use lofty language. This theory is explored in depth in her book, which is set to offer a critical perspective on the tech industry's practices.
The concept of the 'Artificial State' is central to Lepore's argument, and its implications are far-reaching. By examining the language used by tech companies, Lepore sheds light on the industry's values and priorities.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, Lepore's theory serves as a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating the language and practices of tech companies.
According to Lepore, the tech industry's leaders are 'bad sci-fi readers', suggesting a lack of understanding of the implications of their actions. This critique has significant implications for the future of the tech industry and its relationship with society.
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