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I have been fortunate to be an author and speaker for six decades. In the early part of that time I was Vice President of Internet Technology at IBM. Before that I was Vice President of Marketing for the Personal Systems of IBM when we launched the IBM ThinkPad. In the 1990s I had a modest staff page at ibm.com/patrick where I posted what today we call blog posts. The site grew into johnpatrick.com, now home to six books and more than 2,500 posts. I write nearly every week — mostly on technology-related topics, but sometimes on travel or things I think could be of interest. I write for the layperson. Drawing on decades spent at the center of the technology industry’s biggest shifts, I write about what I see coming.
In 2001, I started writing my first book. It would be called Net Attitude. At the end of the year, I retired and published the book. Five more followed. You can find them here on the site. I hope you enjoy my blog, which I have been writing posts for since 1995.
It’s all about attitude.
Six technology books and more than 2,500 blog posts on healthcare, AI, robotics, home automation, and the habits of mind that decide how we meet what’s next.
Six decades in technology, still writing every week
John R. Patrick is an author, speaker, and former IBM Vice President of Internet Technology. What started as a modest staff page in the 1990s grew into johnpatrick.com — now home to six books and more than 2,500 posts he still calls “stories.” He writes every week on the technology and habits of mind shaping what comes next, drawing on decades spent at the center of the industry’s biggest shifts.
John’s career took him from the earliest days of the commercial internet through the rise of e-business, mobile technology, and now artificial intelligence — always with the same question in mind: how does this actually change the way people live? That question is the thread running through every book in the Attitude series, from Net Attitude in 2001 to Reflection Attitude today.
Outside of writing and speaking, John has served on corporate and non-profit boards, testified before government bodies on issues like mobile voting and digital democracy, and remains an active runner, motorcyclist, and ham radio operator. He believes the biggest technology shifts are rarely about the technology itself — they’re about attitude: whether we choose to understand something new or simply react to it.
He continues to publish a new blog post every Saturday morning, answers reader emails personally, and has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
Books by John R. Patrick
Six books, one thesis: most big problems — and big solutions — come down to attitude. All available on Amazon.
What reviewers say
As one of the world’s technology pioneers, John Patrick is a sought after innovator and strategic thinker. In Health Attitude, he paints a grim portrait of America’s healthcare system, then unveils a canvas upon which we can build a better future using technology.
Skip PrichardPresident & CEO, OCLCRobot Attitude clearly and concisely discusses the three areas where artificial intelligence will have an impact. It’s required reading for anyone interested in the greatest transition humankind has yet undergone.
Ronald H. GrunerFounder, Alliant ComputerReflection is a mirror returning images and ideas. John Patrick offers a provocative and illuminating consideration of themes, trends, and developments he has shared over many years.
James NealUniversity Librarian Emeritus, ColumbiaFascinating knowledge sharing of more than two decades of world innovations. Through its blog style, Reflection Attitude allows us to make the time to reflect on past, present, and future impact.
Jean-Claude F. MonneyFormer Chief Knowledge Officer, MicrosoftNew blog posts, every Saturday morning.
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Blog posts, published weekly
The archive holds more than 2,500 posts, with new ones going out every Saturday morning.
“It’s All About Attitude” — the complete collection
Six books on technology, health, elections, robots, and reflection. Written for the layperson — pick your format and enjoy.
See all books
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be technical to enjoy the Attitude books?
Not at all. Every book in the series is written for the everyday reader — you don’t need technology literacy to follow along or enjoy them.
How often does John publish new blog posts?
New posts go out every Saturday morning by email to more than 1,000 subscribers, and are also published directly on the blog.
Where can I buy the books?
All six books are available on Amazon, with most titles also on Audible. Buy links are on each book above.
Can I invite John to speak at an event?
Yes — send John a note through Contact me.
How do I subscribe to the weekly blog posts?
Visit the Subscribe page to join the mailing list — it’s free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Dig a little deeper
“Most big problems — and big solutions — come down to attitude. I’ve spent six decades believing that, and I still write about it every week.”
John R. PatrickReady to start reading?
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