The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 14 Episode 21 Walter Isaacson

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 14 episode 21 features an interview with writer and historian Walter Isaacson. Isaacson has written several biographies, including books on Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin. In this episode, Isaacson discusses his latest book, which explores the history of digital technology and its impact on society.

Stewart begins the show by discussing the recent controversy surrounding the NFL and its handling of domestic violence cases. He jokes about the absurdity of the NFL hiring an outside investigator to look into the issue, saying, "It's like having Edward Snowden investigate the NSA." He then introduces Isaacson, whom he describes as "one of the greatest biographers of our time."

Isaacson begins by discussing his book, The Innovators, which profiles the pioneers of the digital age, including Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, and Steve Jobs. He talks about the challenges of writing about such a complex subject, saying, "I wanted to make sure that people understood the beauty and the elegance of what these people did." He also notes that he wanted to highlight the collaborative nature of innovation, saying, "It wasn't just one person who did it all. It was a team effort."

Stewart asks Isaacson about the impact of digital technology on society, particularly in terms of privacy and security. Isaacson acknowledges the risks posed by technology, but also notes the potential benefits, saying, "It's not just a tool of surveillance, it's also a tool of liberation." He argues that technology can be used to empower individuals and make the world more democratic, but only if it is used responsibly.

Stewart also asks Isaacson about his biography of Steve Jobs, which is considered by many to be the definitive account of Jobs' life. Isaacson discusses Jobs' personality and work ethic, saying, "He was a genius, but he was also a jerk." He notes that while Jobs could be difficult to work with, he was also driven by a desire to create something great.

Throughout the interview, Stewart and Isaacson engage in a lively discussion about the intersection of technology, innovation, and society. They touch on topics ranging from artificial intelligence and automation to the future of journalism. Isaacson also reflects on his own career as a writer and historian, noting that his goal is to make history accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

In addition to the interview with Isaacson, the episode also features several segments in which Stewart and his correspondents offer their comedic take on current events. These segments draw on news stories from the week, including the Ebola outbreak, the midterm elections, and the rise of ISIS.

Overall, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 14 episode 21 offers a thought-provoking and entertaining look at the intersection of technology and society. Through his conversation with Walter Isaacson and his humorous commentary on the news of the day, Stewart provides his audience with a unique perspective on some of the most pressing issues of our time.