How We Got to Now: Summary Review
This is a summary review of How We Got to Now containing key details about the book.
What is How We Got to Now About?
"How We Got to Now" by Steven Johnson is a non-fiction book that explores the history of innovation and how it has shaped the world.
In How We Got to Now, the author looks at how accidental genius, brilliant mistakes, and unintended consequences shape the way we live in the modern world. His "long zoom" approach connects history, geography, politics, and scientific advances with the deep curiosity of inventors or quirky interests of tinkerers to show how innovation truly comes about. His fascinating account is organized into six topics: glass, cold, sound, clean, time, light. Johnson's fresh exploration of these simple, single-syllable word concepts creates an endlessly absorbing story that moves from lightning strikes in the prehistoric desert to the herculean effort to literally raise up the city of Chicago to laser labs straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Summary Points & Takeaways from How We Got to Now
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The importance of chance events: Johnson argues that many innovations and technological advances were the result of chance events and that the process of innovation is often unpredictable.
* The role of networks: The author highlights the importance of networks and collaboration in the process of innovation, and provides examples of how networks have played a key role in shaping technological advancements.
* The impact of innovations: Johnson argues that innovations have far-reaching and often unintended consequences, and that it is important to consider the impact of technological advancements.
* The value of interdisciplinary thinking: The author emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in the process of innovation, and provides examples of how different fields of knowledge and expertise can come together to drive progress.
* The power of feedback loops: The book highlights the importance of feedback loops and how they drive the process of innovation, and provides examples of how feedback loops have influenced technological advancements.
* Overall, "How We Got to Now" is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the history of innovation and its impact on the world. The author's writing style is accessible and the book is filled with interesting examples and case studies, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in innovation and technological advancements.
Who is the author of How We Got to Now?
Steven Berlin Johnson is an American popular science author and media theorist.
Book details
- Print length: 293 pages
- Genre: Nonfiction, History, Science
What are the chapters in How We Got to Now?
Chapter 1. Glass
Chapter 2. Cold
Chapter 3. Sound
Chapter 4. Clean
Chapter 5. Time
Chapter 6. Light
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “Steven Johnson is a maven of the history of ideas... How We Got to Now is readable, entertaining, and a challenge to any jaded sensibility that has become inured to the everyday miracles all around us.” — The Guardian
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in enhancing your personal growth, I suggest checking out my list of favorite self-development books. These books have been instrumental in my own personal development and I'm confident they can help you too.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
