[Towed_Jumper]

I loved "Connections" back in the day when it was on TV. I still have copies of both of James Burke's books: Connections and The Day The Universe Changed. Over the years I have reread them a number of times.

[MCF]

Same here.

[Fai Mao]

I can trace my degree in Intellectual History to this series

[wally_bert]

Both excellent documentaries.

I carried both books around in high school.

They drove my airhead history teacher nuts.

[discostu]

Connections 3 just landed on streaming a few months ago. CuriosityStream, all documentaries.

[bigbob]

Yep me too. This is a re-run, evidently for lazy people.

[Jolla]

Same here, loved that series, he was a great teacher when I was not interested in academia at all. Wish I had the book The Day the Universe changed, sold it in a garage-sell.

[SunkenCiv]

His later efforts were updated versions of the same presentations, last one I remember was "The Axemaker's Gift", which I had on audiobook (cassette, so, a while back) and it came off as less comprehensive and more agenda. Since he's a British journalist, it shouldn't be surprising that he slides left, but OTOH a presentation he gave in, hmm, maybe Oregon (it's also on YT) must have seemed somewhat right-sliding to that audience. :^)

[yellowhammer]

Here's an AI summary:

In this YouTube video titled "James Burke Legend Connections 1 The Trigger Effect," James Burke explores the interconnectedness of technology and its impact on our lives. Burke teases the fascinating stories he will uncover, such as the role of a 16th-century doctor in enabling television and the involvement of French monks in the development of computers.

The video highlights the vulnerability of our modern technological systems, as demonstrated by a power failure that leads to a cascade effect and a major blackout in New York City. It prompts viewers to question their reliance on technology and the preparedness for such situations.

The video also delves into the importance of the plow in triggering human advancement and the significance of the Nile in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization. Burke emphasizes that technology is interconnected and acts as triggers for change, with inventions leading to more inventions and transformations. He leaves viewers pondering the roots of modern inventions and their profound impact on society.