How We Got to Now

Six Innovations That Made the Modern World

De: Steven Johnson

Narrado por: George Newbern

Look out for Johnson’s new book, Wonderland, on sale November 15, 2016.

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Where Good Ideas Come From and Everything Bad Is Good for You, 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.

A must read!

I'll recomend this book to everyone, especially to be listened in Audible. It can be read to pass time but also as a initiation in innovation area. I started reading it looking for inspiration, but suddenly I was supriesed by a great narrative and wonderful curiosities in every chapter. It's in my favorite's hall now.

Inventions Rock!

If you are into cool facts, and "wow I never thought of it that way" moments, you will definitely enjoy this book and the "long zoom" perspective the author takes. Reads a bit like an academic paper in terms of format, but it is definitely not too brainy for the non-scientist to read.

The Proper Telling of Human Evolution

I agree with the author of this book, history makes much more sense when you draw the picture with our inventions. When you can take a look at the hummingbird effect something like glass has had on the adjacent possible of the time, it really just makes it all make sense.

Like A Good Wine . . .

Just finished my 2nd voyage thru the book and equally as stimulating as the 1st. Like watching a campfire build its flame, exciting to see how one innovation sparks another.

In our overly contentious world today, encouraging to see the potential of collaboration, even if it’s just historical. 😊

Nicely made connection between the histories of common objects

The author takes one subject, for instance, light or glass, and follows it through its development from the very first stages to all of the modern impacts of its development. I found this very fascinating and insightful too. It's a great book for a science geek like me.