#270 Vannevar Bush Pieces of the Action

Van Iaver Bush, an influential figure in 20th-century research and development, is celebrated in his book "Pieces of the Action." Bush, an engineer and key coordinator of military and civilian scientific efforts during World War II, played a pivotal role in advancements like radar, penicillin, and the Manhattan Project. His autobiography, reprinted by Stripe Press, emphasizes the synergy of individual heroism and organizational efficacy in fostering change, underscoring the leader's role in orchestrating innovation. Ben Reinhardt's forward in the new edition contextualizes Bush's insights for modern readers, highlighting the importance of understanding the origins of transformative institutions. Bush's narrative reveals the intricate journey from concept to innovation, shaped by those who have a "piece of the action." His experiences offer timeless lessons for leaders, technologists, and founders on navigating the complexities of progress and change.

• Vannevar Bush was a pivotal figure in the 20th-century R&D ecosystem, contributing to radar, the proximity fuse, penicillin, and the Manhattan Project.
• "Pieces of the Action" is his autobiography, offering lessons on managing complex organizations and driving ambitious programs.
• Stripe Press republished the book, highlighting its relevance to contemporary innovation and organizational leadership.

"In pieces of the action, van Iaver Bush, engineer, inventor, educator, and public face of government-funded science, offers an inside account of one of the most innovative research and development ecosystems of the 20th century."

The quote emphasizes Vannevar Bush's role in spearheading government-funded science and the development of critical technologies during World War II.

• Change requires both heroic individuals and effective organizations.
• A leader's job involves coordination and guiding ideas through a complex path to innovation.
• The journey from idea to innovation involves many contributors who have a stake in the project.

"These lessons include that change depends both on heroic individuals and effective organizations, that a leader's job is one of coordination, and that the path from idea to innovation is a long and winding one, inextricably bound to those involved, those enduring figures who have a piece of the action."

This quote summarizes the lessons from Bush's book, which stress the importance of both individual initiative and organizational structure in driving change and innovation.

• Stripe Press is a publishing division of Stripe that reprints important but lesser-known works.
• The books published by Stripe Press focus on ideas for progress and are noted for their aesthetic quality.
• "Pieces of the Action" was chosen for its significant insights and its scarcity.

"So stripe, the payments company, actually started their own publishing division. And what they're doing is they're bringing back these lesser-known and sometimes out of print or hard to find books, and they're updating them and then publishing them."

The quote describes Stripe Press's mission to revive important works that contribute to the discourse on progress and innovation.

• "Endless Frontier" is another biography of Vannevar Bush, written by G. Pascal Zachary.
• The speaker acknowledges Bush's importance but felt unprepared to discuss him due to his profound impact.
• Vannevar Bush is mentioned in many post-WWII books, reflecting his widespread influence.

"There have been something like ten or 15 books over the years that I've read to completion and I never made podcasts on. And one of those books was a biography of van Eber Bush. It's called Endless Frontier. Van Iver Bush, engineer of the American Century, written by G. Pascal Zachary, that book is excellent."

This quote introduces "Endless Frontier," a biography that details Vannevar Bush's life and contributions, underscoring his significance in American history.

• Ben Reinhardt provides a forward that explains why studying Vannevar Bush is essential for understanding institutional change.
• Bush conceived the innovation pipeline, linking basic research to commercialization.
• The forward emphasizes the need to understand the origins of current institutions to effect change.

"Any exploration of the institutions that shape how we do research, generate discoveries, create inventions, and turn ideas into innovations inevitably leads back to Van Bush."

The quote highlights the importance of studying Vannevar Bush to comprehend the foundations of modern research and innovation institutions.

• Bush inspired many, including Claude Shannon and Douglas Engelbart.
• Engelbart's work, inspired by Bush, laid the foundation for personal computing environments.
• The chain of inspiration across generations shapes the world we inhabit.

"Douglas Engelbart explicitly cited it as the inspiration for the work that led to his mother of all demos, which in turn laid out the agenda for almost every aspect of the personal computing environments that now pervade our lives."

This quote illustrates the direct line of influence from Vannevar Bush to Douglas Engelbart, whose innovations underpin modern personal computing.

• The research organizations led by Bush were remarkably effective, contributing to significant wartime innovations.
• The forward of "Pieces of the Action" highlights the relevance of historical successes to contemporary challenges.
• Bush's approach to problem-solving was based on historical optimism and belief in progress.

"The research organizations that he led were shockingly effective."

The quote underscores the extraordinary success of the research organizations under Bush's leadership, serving as a model for effective R&D.

• Bush observed that societal worries are often consistent through history.
• He believed that each generation confronts similar challenges and has the potential to overcome them.
• Bush's autobiography reflects on the dramatic changes and technological advancements during his lifetime.

"As I look back, we have always been worried about something and often about the same things that we worry about now."

This quote from Bush reflects on the recurring nature of societal concerns and the potential for human progress to address them.

• Vannevar Bush emphasizes the significance of education in civilization.
• Education is defined as the transmission of experiences and knowledge from one generation to the next.
• Learned Hand's quote highlights the difference between humans and animals in the context of learning and memory.
• Importance of learning from the older generation to navigate life.

"Learned Hand remarked that while both men and monkeys are curious and monkey around, man remembers and transmits his experiences to the next generation, which is exactly what Bush is doing, right. And the monkey does not. So in the end, man keeps the monkey in a cage."

This quote defines education as the transmission of knowledge and experience, which differentiates humans from animals. It's relevant as it sets the stage for the importance of education in Bush's view.

• Vannevar Bush discusses the necessity of personal relationships in professional settings.
• He shares his experience with FDR and the importance of building a personal relationship to be effective in his work.
• Bush believes that understanding human nature and personal relations is crucial for success.

"You have to understand the ways of men. And that is the first hint that he gives us that, hey, you need to realize that formal relations of men, what we think as professional relationships, are actually intertwined with the personal relationships behind the professional relationships."

This quote underlines the intertwined nature of professional and personal relationships. It's relevant because it shows Bush's belief that success in professional endeavors often depends on personal connections.

• Bush aims to mentor future generations through his writing.
• He focuses on sharing experiences and advice that could ease the journey for others following similar paths.
• The book is intended to serve as a guide for readers to become formidable individuals and leaders.

"It may well be worthwhile to recite a few events here and there with the thought that through them, some chap coming along a similar road may learn something, not be taught, but learn something that will ease his journey."

This quote emphasizes the mentorship role Bush's book aims to play, providing learnings rather than teachings. It's relevant as it shows Bush's intention to pass on wisdom through his experiences.

• Bush expresses skepticism about dire predictions and highlights human ingenuity in overcoming challenges.
• He emphasizes the role of technology and innovation in solving problems and advancing society.

"I hear that by the year 2000, there will be so many people on earth that they can't possibly be fed. I don't believe it."

This quote showcases Bush's optimism in human capability to innovate past challenges, such as population growth and food supply. It's relevant as it reflects his faith in progress through intelligence and innovation.

• Bush calls for a revival of the pioneer spirit characterized by determination and practical action.
• He outlines the importance of clear authority and good judgment in leadership.
• Bush gives examples of effective leadership, including Truman and FDR, and their decision-making processes.

"We need a revival of the essence of the old pioneer spirit that conquered the forests and the plains, that looked at its difficulties with a steady eye, labored and fought and left its thinking and its philosophy for later and quieter times."

This quote is a call to action for determination and initiative, drawing on the pioneer spirit. It's relevant as it encapsulates Bush's advice for tackling challenges head-on.

• Bush distinguishes between individual capabilities and organizational achievements.
• He credits the technical contributions during World War II to specialized groups focused on solving problems.
• Bush stresses that effective organizations require clear decision-making authority.

"The key ideas arose in the special groups that were working for months and years with the problems, and they arose from nowhere else."

This quote points out that significant technical ideas come from dedicated groups, not isolated individuals. It's relevant as it highlights the importance of teamwork and focused effort in innovation.

• Bush advises on strategies to anticipate and overcome obstacles in collaborative efforts.
• He emphasizes the importance of commitment to the work and the need to navigate personal quirks and biases.
• Bush shares his approach to dealing with resistance and maintaining the momentum of important projects.

"When he knows that stumbling blocks may get in the way of a joint effort in which he is engaged, a man who is light on his feet tries to anticipate them, to figure out where they may arise and why and how best to evade them."

This quote offers strategic advice on anticipating and handling obstacles. It's relevant as it shows Bush's proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.

• Bush criticizes rigid lines of authority for stifling innovation.
• He compares his views with those of Steve Jobs, who also believed in flexibility for fostering creativity.
• Bush highlights the importance of adaptable and energetic individuals in overcoming conservatism and lethargy.

"Rigid lines of authority do not produce the best innovations."

This quote criticizes strict hierarchical structures for their negative impact on innovation. It's relevant as it aligns with Bush's and Jobs' beliefs that flexibility and adaptability are key to fostering creativity and progress.

• Steve Jobs had a unique method for fostering innovation within his company.
• He allowed projects to develop in pockets around the company, sometimes without his knowledge.
• Jobs would only intervene if a key manager believed a project had potential.
• His talent lay in synthesizing separate developments into innovative products.
• Jobs' approach was akin to Vannevar Bush's belief that rigid lines of authority do not foster the best innovations.

"They would come to Steve's attention only if one of his key managers decided that the project or technology showed real potential."

This quote exemplifies Jobs' hands-off approach to innovation, allowing his team autonomy until their work showed promise.

• Van Bush admires Putnam for his drive and ability to be liked by similarly driven individuals.
• Bush's story about Putnam and the reactions from others within the organization illustrate the divide between the ambitious and the complacent.
• The biography of Joseph Pulitzer is cited as an example of someone who was industrious to the point of annoyance to his less motivated peers.
• Bush's confrontational yet respected approach in discussions, especially with military personnel, is highlighted.

"Putnam had some of the characteristics of the best type of promoter in industry. He was well liked by men with lots of drive and often disliked by those with less."

This quote illustrates the admiration for individuals with drive and the natural divide their ambition creates within an organization.

• Van Bush's undefined but significant rank in the war effort is discussed.
• Alfred Lee Loomis's influence on wartime technology and his connection to political figures is mentioned.
• Bush's self-assessment of his importance to the war effort is supported by Loomis's high regard for him.

"My rank in the hierarchy of war was never defined, but it certainly was not minor."

Bush's quote reflects his belief in the significant, albeit informal, impact he had on the war effort.

• Van Bush categorizes individuals in organizations as tyros, amateurs, and professionals.
• Tyros are detrimental to organizations due to their arrogance and lack of authority.
• Amateurs are those who initially lack knowledge but have the capacity to learn and improve.
• Professionals are seen as masters of their craft, essential for running an effective organization.

"The Tyro is a freewheeler in an organization who gums up the works because of his arrogant ignorance."

This quote defines the 'tyro' as a disruptive force within an organization, highlighting the need for their removal for the greater good.

• Van Bush criticizes the post-war treatment of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
• Oppenheimer's complex character and the misunderstanding by many are discussed.
• A poem recited by Oppenheimer to Bush before the Alamogordo test is shared.

"His was a profoundly complex character, a character, in fact, which could be analyzed only by one who knew him well and who was equally profound."

Bush's quote on Oppenheimer emphasizes the depth and complexity of his personality, which was not widely appreciated.

• Van Bush advocates for the creation of new things and small companies to compete in international trade.
• The challenges inventors face in bringing their ideas to production are acknowledged.
• The joy inventors derive from the process of invention, regardless of monetary gain, is compared to the satisfaction poets get from writing poems.
• Bush shares a personal anecdote about discussing inventions with Orville Wright.

"An invention has some of the characteristics of a poem."

Bush draws a parallel between the creative processes of inventing and poetry, emphasizing the intrinsic joy found in both activities.

• Bush discusses how major improvements are difficult to implement in standardized, profitable industries.
• He notes that young industries are more welcoming to courageous pioneers.
• The importance of a range of skills beyond inventing, such as promotion and marketing, is stressed.
• Bush shares his unique approach to hiring based on problem-solving abilities.

"The old industry tends to go to sleep."

This quote suggests that innovation is less likely to occur in mature industries that have become complacent.

• Van Bush emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of lesser-known individuals in industrial progress.
• He argues that both well-known and unknown pioneers should be celebrated for their work.

"It would be well if people recognize the debt that society owes to the quiet workers whom we never hear of."

Bush's quote calls for greater recognition of the individuals who contribute to society's progress behind the scenes.

• Vannevar Bush emphasizes the importance of industrial pioneers in commercial progress.
• He advises inventors and company builders to embrace criticism rather than avoid it.
• Bush uses the example of Sam Walton to illustrate how critics can be wrong about potential success.

"It would also be, well if people in this country generally regarded with more respect the industrial pioneers who are willing to take a chance and who furnish a very necessary element in commercial progress."

This quote underscores the value of respecting and acknowledging the role of industrial pioneers in driving commercial progress.

"If you wish to invent usefully, you must not attempt to do it in isolation or to shield yourself from criticism. Criticism is inevitable."

Bush is advising that inventors should expect criticism and not isolate themselves from it, as it is a part of the inventive process.

• Bush praises Edwin Land, founder of Polaroid, as an ingenious and wise inventor.
• He cites Polaroid's success as an example of the patent system working at its best.
• The story serves as an inspiration for founders to study and learn from successful inventors like Land.

"Certainly, if a company operates only under patents, it owns and infringes on no others. Its monopoly should not be disturbed, and the courts should hold that view."

Bush supports the idea that companies operating on their own patents should have their monopolies respected, using Polaroid as an example.

"An excellent example is Polaroid corporation, founded by Edwin Land, one of the most ingenious men I ever knew, and also one of the wisest."

This quote highlights Edwin Land's significant contributions to the field of invention and his role as a model for future entrepreneurs and inventors.

• Bush believes in the necessity of inventors and the encouragement of entrepreneurship.
• He advocates for venture capital and the creation of new companies to balance the trend towards industrial giants.
• Bush calls for a better public understanding of the complexities involved in invention and entrepreneurship.

"We need inventors and inventions, and we need to encourage them. In particular, we need to encourage the entrepreneurs, those who supply venture capital, those who have the nerve to take inventions over the initial bumps to create new companies to offset our trend toward industrial giants."

Bush emphasizes the need to support inventors and entrepreneurs as they are crucial for innovation and balancing the dominance of industrial giants.

• Bush reflects on the impact of teaching and the value of good teachers.
• He shares personal stories, including the influence of his father, to illustrate the subtle art of teaching.
• Bush discusses the evolution of education and its fundamental purpose of passing knowledge from one generation to the next.

"The basic function of education is to ensure that the experience of one generation may be passed on to the next."

This quote encapsulates the essence of education as a means of transferring knowledge and experience across generations.

"What is true in the college classroom is true in kindergarten as well. Every teacher, no matter the subject, needs to remember that he is preparing most of his students for a life marked by a great duality, one part as a tiny element in a complex social structure, the other in informal relations with their fellows."

Bush is highlighting the dual role of education in preparing students for both their place in society and their personal relationships.

• Bush discusses the benefits of having hobbies, especially as one grows older.
• He notes that hobbies provide a release from intense work and can be lifesaving during retirement.
• The chapter reflects on the challenges of aging and the compensations that hobbies can offer.

"The essence of hobbies is the fact that one does not have to take a thing seriously in order to get fun out of it."

This quote suggests that the value of hobbies lies in the enjoyment they provide without the pressure of seriousness.

• Bush shares a story from his teaching experience at MIT, recognizing when students surpass their teacher.
• He advocates for recognizing the achievements of the younger generation and not becoming an obstacle to their success.
• Bush's approach to learning and teaching is to always be open to new ideas and to facilitate the growth of others.

"I decided that I was not going to get in the way of younger men, and that when the time came that I could not compete genuinely with them, I would get out."

Bush expresses his commitment to stepping aside and allowing the younger generation to advance when they surpass his knowledge in a particular field.