Steven Levy: A Career at the Intersection of Technology and Journalism
Few journalists have tracked the evolution of the digital age as closely as Steven Levy. From the early days of mainframe computing to the launch of the smartphone revolution, Levy has spent decades documenting the people and philosophies that shaped modern technology. His work is characterized by a deep curiosity about the hacker ethic and the visionary leaders who drove the computer revolution.
Early Career and Unexpected Discoveries
Levy began his professional journey in the mid-1970s as a freelance journalist, contributing frequently to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Today magazine. In 1976, he helped shape the local cultural landscape as a founding co-editor of the Free Times, a weekly guide to events in Philadelphia. Later, while serving as a senior editor for New Jersey Monthly, Levy encountered one of the most unusual stories of his career. In 1978, while reporting a piece, he rediscovered the brain of Albert Einstein, which was being kept in a mason jar in the Wichita office of pathologist Thomas Stoltz Harvey.
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Defining the Hacker Ethic
The 1980s marked a pivotal shift in Levy's focus toward technology. In 1981, Rolling Stone assigned him a story on computer hackers—individuals who use technical skill to solve complex problems or bypass restrictions. This assignment evolved into his influential 1984 book, Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution. In this work, Levy defined the hacker ethic: the fundamental belief that all information should be free and that technology should be used to improve human life.
During this era, Levy became a central figure in tech media. He contributed to Stewart Brand's Whole Earth Software Catalog (1984) and served as a contributing editor for Popular Computing. From April 1983 to December 1985, he penned a monthly column that evolved through several titles, including "Telecomputing," "Micro Journal," and "Computer Journal." In 1986, he further cemented his influence by founding the Macworld Game Hall of Fame, an annual feature published by Macworld until 2009.
Diversification and Artificial Life
While technology remained a core interest, Levy explored other complex subjects in the late 80s and early 90s. In 1988, he published a book detailing the murderous history of Ira Einhorn, a co-founder of Earth Day and a figure in the hippie movement; this work was later adapted into a 1999 NBC TV miniseries starring Naomi Watts. He returned to science in 1992 with Artificial Life, a study of AI (Artificial Intelligence) that became a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Science and Technology. He also wrote Insanely Great in 1994, a detailed look at the Macintosh computer.
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The Newsweek Era and Apple Insights
In 1995, Levy joined Newsweek as a senior editor and technology writer, where he gained a reputation for high-level access to the industry's most secretive companies. In July 2004, he published a landmark cover story featuring an interview with Apple CEO Steve Jobs, revealing the 4th generation iPod to the public before Apple's official announcement. This fascination with Apple's design philosophy led to his 2006 book, The Perfect Thing.
Levy's relationship with the industry reached a peak in 2007 when he was one of only four journalists—alongside Ed Baig, Walt Mossberg, and David Pogue—granted advance access to review the first iPhone before its commercial release.
Later Work and Legacy
In 2008, Levy transitioned to Wired, where he continues to serve as a writer and editor at large. He also co-created the tech blog Backchannel in 2014, which was eventually integrated into Wired in 2017. Throughout his career, his versatility has been recognized by prestigious publications, including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Harper's, and Premiere.
Key Facts
- Defining Work: Authored Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution (1984), introducing the "hacker ethic."
- Apple Access: One of four journalists given early access to the first iPhone in 2007.
- Major Publications: Held senior roles at Newsweek and Wired.
- Scientific Reach: Wrote Artificial Life, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
- Unique Discovery: Found Albert Einstein's brain in a mason jar during a 1978 reporting assignment.
| Year/Period | Work or Role | Key Focus/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Hackers (Book) | Defined the hacker ethic and computer revolution. |
| 1988 | Ira Einhorn (Book) | True crime account of a hippie movement co-founder. |
| 1992 | Artificial Life (Book) | Exploration of AI; LA Times Book Prize finalist. |
| 1995–2000s | Newsweek | Senior Editor; broke the 4th gen iPod story. |
| 2008–Present | Wired | Writer and Editor at Large. |
| 2014 | Backchannel | Co-created tech blog later merged with Wired. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "hacker ethic" described by Steven Levy?
The hacker ethic is the belief that all information should be free and that the use of technology and information should be leveraged to change life for the better.
Which major Apple products did Steven Levy help unveil?
Levy published a cover story in Newsweek that revealed the 4th generation iPod before its official launch and was one of four journalists to review the first iPhone in 2007.
What was Steven Levy's most unusual discovery as a journalist?
While reporting for New Jersey Monthly in 1978, Levy discovered Albert Einstein's brain floating in a mason jar in the office of pathologist Thomas Stoltz Harvey.
What are some of Steven Levy's most notable books?
His most notable books include Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution, Artificial Life, Insanely Great, and The Perfect Thing.
Where does Steven Levy currently work?
Since 2008, Steven Levy has worked as a writer and editor at large for Wired.