Silicon Valley is Hollywood for programmers. Many of the most interesting projects and startups begin their journey there. And if they start somewhere else, they're usually not against moving there. We often hear that in Silicon Valley, you won't have problems with investors and shareholders. You can give a talk at a meetup — events happen there all the time. You have many opportunities to get noticed and showcase your startup. Everyone succeeds; only a fool can fail. But the author failed — more than once. And he saw nearly all newcomers fail as well. This is a story about the conditions the author and his acquaintances had to live in, and how the other side of Silicon Valley really works.
Below is a brief summary of the main chapters, with as few spoilers as possible. By the way, chapter titles may vary significantly depending on the translation.
Live Work Work Work Die
Corey Pein heads to Silicon Valley to experience the startup life firsthand. He is confronted by harsh realities: skyrocketing housing costs, lack of stability, and a culture where success is measured in billions, not real impact. Pein decides to launch a startup called Laborize — a union-organizing service for competitors to disrupt their businesses. However, the idea fails to attract any investor support.
Poor Winners
Pein describes how many supposedly successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley made it not through innovation, but by copying others, exploiting government research, and dodging regulations. He gives examples of companies breaking the rules in hopes of rapid growth and eventual legitimization. He also points out that many startups are funded not because of their real value but because of connections and the ability to sell an idea.
Slums as a Service
The author explores the issue of affordable housing in Silicon Valley. He describes how high costs force workers to live in overcrowded and unsafe conditions, including renting tents for $35 a night. Pein emphasizes that despite tech companies' promises to improve lives, they often contribute to worsening conditions for their own workers.
Gig Will Set You Free
Pein critiques the gig economy, represented by platforms like Uber and Fiverr. He notes that despite promises of flexibility and freedom, such labor models lead to instability, lack of social protections, and worker exploitation. The author shares stories of people juggling multiple platforms to make ends meet, often ending up burned out and stressed.
Crack for Kids
In this chapter, Pein explores the marketing tactics and psychological manipulation used by tech companies to attract and retain users. He explains how products are deliberately designed to be addictive and how companies use behavioral tricks to boost engagement. The author also criticizes the tech press for acting more like cheerleaders than objective observers.
This Is Called Capitalism
Pein examines the role of venture capital in shaping the tech industry. He argues that investors often care solely about financial returns, ignoring social and ethical consequences. He shares examples of startups receiving significant funding despite dubious value and highlights how this model fosters inequality and exploitation.
Fail Better!
In this chapter, Pein discusses the phenomenon of repeated failure being rewarded in the tech world. He shows how Silicon Valley culture encourages risk and forgives failure — especially when it's accompanied by charisma and connections. He also notes how this system excludes those who don’t fit into specific social or cultural molds.
Brainmeritocracy
Pein explores the ideological foundations of the tech elite, including belief in meritocracy and intellectual superiority. He discusses how these beliefs can justify inequality and neglect social issues. The author also examines the influence of transhumanist ideas and the desire to build a tech utopia that may remain out of reach for most people.
Go Robo-Infantry!
In the final chapter, Pein analyzes the future being shaped by the tech industry. He raises concerns about automation, job loss, and increased social control via technology. The author stresses the need to critically reflect on the direction society is taking under the influence of tech giants.
Corey Pein concludes the book with a call to rethink the role of technology in society. He emphasizes that without considering social and ethical dimensions, innovation can deepen inequality and erode human values.
Conclusion
The book reads in one breath — like a detective novel or an adventure story. If you're interested in the IT industry and the news around it, as well as how things really work "under the hood," I highly recommend reading this book.
