Summary

Chapter 1 begins with the construction of a fiber-optic line. Since this specific line does not serve any public utility, those working on the site wonder why it needs to be installed. Lewis compares the line to an underground reptile, complete with individual needs and wants. The burrow it lives in needs to be as straight as possible, without kinks or turns. This straight line will connect the South Side of Chicago to a stock exchange in northern New Jersey. Because the line must be as straight as possible, the surface configuration of the land becomes irrelevant. Holes are blown through mountains even when going around would be cheaper and less labor-intensive. Once again, those working the line are perplexed, but nonetheless, are kept in the dark. They are only given limited information, mostly concerned with the logistics of the line, rather than its purpose...