John Brockman
John Brockman
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| Brockman, John | |
| Born | February 16, 1941 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Occupation | Founder, Brockman, Inc. |
Career
Early Life and Education
John Brockman earned an MBA from the Babson Institute of Business Administration at Columbia University in New York City. Initially, Brockman worked as an investment banker, but his career trajectory shifted dramatically after a chance encounter in 1964 with avant-garde filmmaker Jonas Mekas in Central Park, which sparked his immersion into the New York art scene.
Transition to the Arts and Intermedia
In the mid-1960s, Brockman transitioned from finance to the avant-garde art world, influenced by thinkers like Norbert Wiener, Claude Shannon, and Marshall McLuhan. He managed the Film-Makers’ Cinematheque, a hub for underground cinema, and organized the Expanded Cinema Festival in 1965, commissioning 30 performance pieces from artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Claes Oldenburg. This work led to the coining of the term “intermedia,” a concept blending art, science, and technology, which became a hallmark of his career. He also consulted for major organizations like General Electric, Columbia Pictures, and the White House, applying cybernetics to rethink their operations.
Founding Brockman, Inc. and Literary Agency
In 1973, Brockman founded Brockman, Inc., a literary and software agency in New York City, specializing in serious nonfiction. His agency became renowned for representing prominent scientists and intellectuals, including Richard Dawkins, Steven Pinker, Jared Diamond, and Daniel Dennett, securing substantial advances for their works. Brockman’s ability to bridge the “two cultures” of science and humanities, a concept inspired by C.P. Snow, led him to propose a “third culture” where scientists communicate directly with the public through accessible writing, redefining intellectual discourse.
Pioneering Work Representing Software Developers
Brockman’s had an early influence on the software industry in the early 1980s with the advent of personal computers. Recognizing that software development mirrored the creative process of writing, he became one of the first literary agents to represent software developers, treating their work as intellectual property akin to books. In 1982, after purchasing an IBM PC, Brockman foresaw the potential of software as a mass-market product. He began advocating for software developers to secure publishing deals, convincing traditional publishers that software programs required the same representation as literary works.
One of his pioneering achievements was negotiating substantial advances for software developers, mirroring his approach with authors. This was a novel concept at the time, as software was not yet widely recognized as a publishable commodity. Brockman’s efforts resulted in significant financial success, both for his clients and his agency. His foresight in treating software as a creative and marketable product helped legitimize the industry, paving the way for software developers to gain recognition and financial reward comparable to traditional authors.
In the late 1990s, Brockman invested in RightsCenter, a Silicon Valley startup aimed at creating an online marketplace for literary and intellectual property rights, likened to an “eBay for the written word.” This venture sought to streamline the process of connecting publishers, agents, and creators, further extending his influence into the digital realm. While RightsCenter did not become the dominant platform he envisioned, it underscored his commitment to integrating technology with intellectual commerce.
Establishment of the Edge Foundation
In 1988, Brockman founded the Edge Foundation, a nonprofit organization and online salon ([[1]]) designed to foster discussions among leading scientists, technologists, and intellectuals. The Edge became a platform for his “third culture” vision, hosting annual questions like “What do you believe but cannot prove?” to provoke innovative thinking. The foundation also organized events, such as the “Billionaires’ Dinner,” which evolved from the “Millionaires’ Dinner” of the 1980s, bringing together tech entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists. These gatherings solidified Brockman’s role as a connector of influential minds across disciplines.
Authorship and Editorial Work
Brockman is also a prolific author and editor, with works including The Third Culture (1995), The Greatest Inventions of the Past 2000 Years (2000), The Next Fifty Years (2002), and This Will Make You Smarter (2012). His books often compile insights from Edge contributors, promoting scientific ideas to a broader audience. His editorial work has been praised for its ability to distill complex concepts into accessible narratives, further amplifying his influence in science communication.
Legacy and Impact
John Brockman’s career is marked by his ability to anticipate and shape cultural and intellectual trends. His pioneering work in representing software developers in the 1980s helped recognize software as a creative and commercial product, influencing the early software publishing industry. Through Brockman, Inc. and the Edge Foundation, he has fostered a global dialogue between science, technology, and the humanities, representing some of the most influential thinkers of our time. Brockman’s contributions as a “cultural impresario” and “intellectual enzyme” have left an indelible mark on both the literary and technological landscapes.
