
The Department of Mad Scientists
Inside DARPA, the Path-Breaking Government Agency You've Never Heard Of
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Narrated by:
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Michael Belfiore
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By:
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Michael Belfiore
America's greatest idea factory isn't Bell Labs, Silicon Valley, or MIT's Media Lab. It's the secretive, Pentagon-led agency known as DARPA. Founded by Eisenhower in response to Sputnik and the Soviet space program, DARPA mixes military officers with sneaker-wearing scientists, seeking paradigm-shifting ideas in varied fields - from energy, robotics, and rockets to peopleless operating rooms, driverless cars, and planes that can fly halfway around the world in just hours. DARPA gave birth to the Internet, GPS, and mind-controlled robotic arms. Its geniuses define future technology for the military and the rest of us.
Michael Belfiore was given unprecedented access to write this first-ever popular account of DARPA. Visiting research sites across the country, he watched scientists in action and talked to the creative, fearlessly ambitious visionaries working for and with DARPA. Much of DARPA's work is classified, and this book is full of material that has barely been reported in the general media. In fact, DARPA estimates that only 2 percent of Americans know much of anything about the agency. This fascinating read demonstrates that DARPA isn't so much frightening as it is inspiring - it is our future.
©2009 Michael Belfiore (P)2009 Random HouseListeners also enjoyed...




















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In short...
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First of all - I liked the book - there was a lot of interesting history about how the internet was invented and conceived by DARPA, as well as GPS and other "game-changing" technologies. The book also had a lot of information on DARPA's origins.
The second section of the book dealt with things that DARPA is currently working on, but mainly the things that could have as huge an impact as the internet or GPS. They discuss robotic surgery, automated driving, biofuels and solar energy for example.
The issue that I had with the book it that it seemed (to me) to go into way too much detail about the current research, and left out other things that might have been very interesting, due to the depth of coverage, that at times, drug on and on. I personally (and other readers may differ) would have preferred less "in depth" coverage and more examples of things being researched.
Good Read, but too much depth - not enough breadth
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This book tells just enough about the history of the technology we use everyday, as well as those we will use tomorrow. Great listen!
A geeks idea of great reading
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I wish all aspects of government were as efficient
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government doing it right!
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Great listen
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Outstanding!
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Truth that's better than science fiction
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Would you consider the audio edition of The Department of Mad Scientists to be better than the print version?
I have not seen the printed version. The audio was great!What did you like best about this story?
It gives me heart that money is being spent on true research. Our planet can only really progress if we harness the power of the imagination. DARPA's flying insects are amazing!What does Michael Belfiore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Dont knowWas this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No, it was great to listen in chunksAny additional comments?
heartwarming storyKeep up the good work!
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