How We Got to Now

320 pages, 2015

Steven Johnson

Takeaways

Description

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Where Good Ideas Come From and Unexpected Life, a new look at the power and legacy of great ideas.

In this illustrated history, Steven Johnson explores the history of innovation over centuries, tracing facets of modern life (refrigeration, clocks, and eyeglass lenses, to name a few) from their creation by hobbyists, amateurs, and entrepreneurs to their unintended historical consequences.

Filled with surprising stories of accidental genius and brilliant mistakes—from the French publisher who invented the phonograph before Edison but forgot to include playback to the Hollywood movie star who helped invent the technology behind Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—How We Got to Now investigates the secret history behind the everyday objects of contemporary life.

In his trademark style, Johnson examines unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated fields: how the invention of air-conditioning enabled the largest migration of human beings in the history of the species—to cities such as Dubai or Phoenix, which would otherwise be virtually uninhabitable; how pendulum clocks helped trigger the industrial revolution; and how clean water made it possible to manufacture computer chips.

Accompanied by a major six-part television series on PBS, How We Got to Now is the story of collaborative networks building the modern world, written in the provocative, informative, and engaging style that has earned Johnson fans around the globe.

The Butterfly Effect in Innovation

In 'How We Got to Now', Steven Johnson explores the concept of the 'butterfly effect' in innovation. He shows how small changes or inventions can lead to massive shifts in our society. It's a fascinating look into how our world has been shaped by seemingly insignificant inventions.

The Six Key Innovations

Johnson identifies six key innovations that have shaped the modern world: glass, cold, sound, clean, time, and light. He digs into the history of these innovations, showing how they've influenced everything from our daily lives to global politics.

The Importance of Unintended Consequences

One of the key themes in 'How We Got to Now' is the importance of unintended consequences. Johnson shows that many of the most significant innovations were not planned, but rather the result of unexpected twists and turns. It's a reminder to stay open to the unexpected in our own lives.

The Interconnectedness of Innovations

Johnson's research in 'How We Got to Now' reveals the interconnectedness of innovations. He demonstrates that one invention often leads to another, creating a chain reaction of progress. It's a fascinating look into the complex web of innovation that has shaped our world.

The Role of the Individual in Innovation

In 'How We Got to Now', Johnson explores the role of the individual in innovation. He shows that while many innovations are the result of collective effort, it often takes a single person with a unique vision to spark change. It's an inspiring reminder of the power we each hold to make a difference.

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Steven Johnson's 'How We Got to Now' is a compelling and highly readable history of innovation.

Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

This book is a fascinating exploration of the history of innovation, showing how simple, seemingly unrelated ideas can converge over time to create the modern world.