documentary · general · evergreen
James Burke Connections, Ep. 1 "The Trigger Effect"
DRS_Education · Jan 16, 2019 · 49m 22s
What this video covers
The first episode of James Burke's 1978 BBC series Connections traces modern dependence on complex technological networks, starting with the 1965 New York blackout, and moves through ancient agriculture to Kuwait's oil-driven leap.
Why it surfaced in Hacker News
Heavily recommended as a masterpiece of popular science and the classic illustration of how fragile interdependent systems are, trotted out in every blackout or supply chain thread.
- 12
- distinct recommenders
- 11
- recommendation months
- 5
- strong recommendations
Recommendation context
Short excerpts from positive mentions. Open the source to read the full Hacker News discussion.
“Years back I was introduced to a terrific BBC show called Connections with James Burke (1978).”
“I highly recommend James Burke's Connections”
“It's a little dated (1978), but it's an excellent watch even today.”