As a long-time Macintosh user, I have often faced what I call "geek machismo": the way many engineers and hackers measure someone's worth in terms of his ability to master multi-faceted and arcane computer hardware.

In Machine Beauty, Yale computer science professor David Gelernter argues against geek machismo, asserting that the truly valuable and memorable technologies are those which exhibit beauty, simplicity, and elegance. Aesthetics, rather than mathematics, should guide technological development.

In a tone reminiscent of the stereotypical brilliant but narrow-minded professor, Gelernter attacks the widespread notion that "science and technology are the only intellectual attainments that count," and contends that computer programming and design should be taught as art (and, to some extent, through art). Elegant programming and graceful design not only bring pleasure in their own right, Gelernter argues, but they also better fulfill technology's mission to extend the abilities of humanity.

In addition to being a ringing declaration for the ongoing importance of art in society, Machine Beauty is also one of the better manifestoes for conservatism that has been written in recent years. Gelernter mourns the lack of appropriate appreciation for excellence by American society, and calls for educators to instill in students the training that will allow them to appreciate greatness.

It is a sign of Gelernter's greatness that the brilliance of his arguments shine through in a book littered with long stretches of self-advertisement, frequent patches of poor writing, and an overall tone of pomposity. But shine through they do, and they make Machine Beauty worth the time to read.

Review posted: 14 October 1998