A reflection on Levy’s Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution. The idea of what a “true hacker” is a far cry from what most people, myself included, would have thought given the term before reading this piece. Before reading this, I would have thought that a hacker is a mysterious figure in a hoodie (similar to the TV show Mr. Robot) who breaks into corporate networks—an image deeply rooted in this modern, criminal era. However, Levy’s portrayal in Part One of the book redefines what the word “hacker” really means. It’s not necessarily about the crime but actually the mindset of the person, as well as their code of ethics.
According to Levy, a “true hacker” is someone driven by insatiable curiosity and a deep love for the craft of computing, as well as a passion for learning new things. They are titled as pioneers who can see computers not just as tools, but also as a way to express themselves (creatively in games such as Spacewar). It can also be used for intellectual expression. The most important principle highlighted is the Hands-On Imperative, or the belief that access to computers should be unlimited and total. The early hackers at MIT’s Tech Model Railroad Club (TMRC) perfectly express this way of life. They would stay up all night, taking over machines like the TX-0, not because they were told to, but because they needed to explore every possibility that this computer had. This drive is what led to things like program bumping, trying to get a program down to the absolute minimum number of instructions, just for the challenge that it would be for these “hackers.” This is truly the difference between just using a computer and genuinely mastering a computer.
Another quality of a “true hacker” would be their collaborative spirit and belief that all information should be free. The hackers would create programs like the TX-0 music compiler, not to sell them, but to freely distribute them to anyone who wanted to use them. They also saw their creations as part of a collective body of knowledge. This is a huge contrast to today’s world because everything is monetized when it comes to proprietary software and intellectual property. The book highlights the communal nature of their work, like the time a group of hackers worked for a straight weekend on a new assembler, fueled by Chinese food and code. Their acceptance of twelve-year-old Peter Deutsch into their association shows their meritocratic view—if you were knowledgeable and had something to contribute to the cause, there would be nothing opposing you from joining their group. The unexpected discovery of a circle in a display hack, a happy accident with profound implications, is another great example of this open, exploratory mindset that a “true hacker” should have.
My personal reaction to this concept of a “true hacker” is one of inspiration. It’s a mindset I personally would love to emulate. But it is intimidating. The level of determination one should be willing to undergo is a lot. However, this doesn’t mean there is no room for success. As long as you view it in your own fun way, you can overcome this by looking at it in a positive light. This is a powerful reminder that technology should be about creation and exploration, not just consumption. Levy’s description of Bill Gosper’s Ping-Pong style—full of complex, counterintuitive forces and spins—perfectly parallels his hacking style. It shows that a “true hacker” sees the world as a series of intricate systems waiting to be understood and manipulated in their own ways. They find joy in pushing boundaries and solving these problems with their own creativity. Ultimately, being a “true hacker” means living by a set of principles that value curiosity, freedom of information, and the hands-on imperative. I do aspire to be a “true hacker” in this sense. In a world of locked doors, this philosophy feels more relevant than ever. It’s not about becoming a cybercriminal, but about reclaiming what should be for everyone. It’s about reclaiming the word “hacker” to its original meaning—someone who uses their intellect and passion to explore, create, and contribute to projects that will help the human race advance to the unimaginable, just for the love of it.