In the latter part of 1969, a transformative era unfolded against a backdrop of major cultural events, including Woodstock and Vietnam War protests. During this time, three significant advancements emerged after nearly ten years of development: NASA's successful moon landing, the invention of the microprocessor by Silicon Valley engineers, and the creation of a network by ARPA that connected distant computers. Each of these innovations played a crucial role in shaping modern technology.
Despite their monumental nature, it was NASA's moon landing that captured the world's attention, while the other two breakthroughs—central to the evolution of computing and connectivity—took a backseat in the public eye. Walter Isaacson's book, "The Innovators," delves into how these inventions were born from the collaboration of inventors and thinkers, highlighting their lasting impact on the digital revolution.