‘Cyberselfish’ author takes aim at Silicon Valley libertarians as her book returns from the dead

A old book comes back

"Cyberselfish" was first published in 2000. After it went out of print, interest in it grew again. Writer Gil Durán wrote a new introduction, and the book now has a new edition from Tin House. In an interview, author Paulina Borsook explained what she was trying to do. She wanted to understand the beliefs that she says shaped Silicon Valley culture.

Key facts

• The book was first published in 2000.
• Borsook says she began noticing the book in the early-to-mid 1980s, when she started working in Bay Area tech circles.
• Used copy prices began to rise last year.
• Borsook has not published a second book.

What is techno-libertarianism?

Borsook uses this term for a set of beliefs. She describes it as "a kind of basket of beliefs" that is strongly against government rules. She says the people who hold these beliefs have benefited a lot from government, even though they do not admit it. She also says the attitude stayed in tech culture after the dot-com crash and spread further.

Why it matters

Many people now ask why the tech industry lost its way. Borsook's book was written years ago, but it still helps explain those questions. Her view is that the ideas she described did not go away. They became part of the culture that shapes how technology is built and talked about.

What to watch

• Whether the new edition brings more attention to Borsook's ideas.
• Whether Borsook publishes a second book.
• How the ideas she describes shape today's tech companies and debates about AI.