💣

Ted Kaczynski (Unabomber) :

Apr 16, 2025

Lecture Notes: Ted Kaczynski - The Unabomber

Introduction

  • Subject: Ted Kaczynski, aka The Unabomber
  • Notorious for: Homemade letter bombs targeting airlines and universities
  • Casualties: 3 killed, 23 injured
  • Capture: Apprehended by FBI in 1996
  • Manifesto: Outlined anti-technology views; crucial in his capture

Early Life

  • Born: May 22, 1942, in Chicago
  • Family: Polish-American parents, one younger brother
  • Health Incident: Severe hives at 9 months old, leading to quarantine
  • Family Move: Relocated to Evergreen Park for better social environment

Education and Intellect

  • IQ: Scored 167, considered a genius
  • Advanced Progress: Skipped grades; high school graduate at 15
  • Harvard Admission: Entered at 16 with high potential

Harvard Experience

  • Living Conditions: Housed with younger students in need of nurturance
  • Unethical Study: Participated in a controversial stress study by Henry Murray
  • Psychological Impact: The study was mentally abusive and rumored to be connected to government mind-control projects

Academic Success

  • Harvard Graduation: Graduated with a BA in 1962
  • University of Michigan: Earned Master's (1964) and PhD (1967) in mathematics
  • Recognition: Dissertation acclaimed; published multiple articles

Move to Wilderness

  • Berkeley: Youngest assistant professor; resigned to live in isolation
  • Montana Cabin: No electricity/water; learned survival skills
  • Motivation: Anger at technological encroachment on nature fueled his later crimes

Bombing Campaign

  • Timeline: 1978-1995
  • Targets: Academia, airlines, computer stores
  • Method: Homemade bombs; careful to leave no trace
  • Significant Events:
    • 1979: Attempted to bomb an American Airlines flight
    • 1985: First fatality, Hugh Scrutton
    • 1995: Final bombings, publication of manifesto

Capture and Trial

  • Manifesto Publication: Led to capture after brother recognized writing style
  • Arrest: April 3, 1996, at his Montana cabin
  • Court Proceedings: Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia; pled guilty to avoid death penalty
  • Sentence: 8 life terms, no parole

Legacy

  • Correspondence: Active letter exchanges and media contacts
  • Cabin Display: Exhibited in Washington, D.C.
  • Continued Interest: University of Michigan archives his writings

Conclusion

  • Kaczynski remains a complex figure, affecting views on technology, isolation, and mental health
  • Ongoing public and academic interest in his life and actions

Note: These notes summarize the biography of Ted Kaczynski, capturing key elements from his life and the investigation that led to his capture.

Full transcript