In 'How to Fly a Horse,' Kevin Ashton challenges the myth of creativity as a magical gift, exploring how it is a process available to everyone. Through captivating stories of inventors and creators, he reveals that the key to innovation lies not in bursts of inspiration, but in the grit and hard work behind the scenes. Ashton encourages readers to embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success, debunking the notion that creativity is solely for the elite. This book blends history, psychology, and personal anecdotes to illuminate the truth about human potential. Join Ashton on a journey that will redefine your understanding of creativity and inspire you to unlock your own innovative spirit.
By Kevin Ashton
Published: 2015
"Creativity is not just the privilege of a few; it is a universal human ability that enables us to change the world around us."
Essential reading for would-be creators and innovators: “If you want to tap your creative potential, buy this book. It’s the last one you’ll ever need to read” (Toronto Star). To create is human. Technology pioneer Kevin Ashton has experienced firsthand the all-consuming challenge of creating something new. Now, in a tour-de-force narrative twenty years in the making, Ashton demystifies the sacred act, leading us on a journey through humanity’s greatest creations to uncover the surprising truth behind who creates and how they do it. From the crystallographer’s laboratory where the secrets of DNA were first revealed by a long forgotten woman, to the Ohio bicycle shop where the Wright brothers set out to “fly a horse,” Ashton showcases the seemingly unremarkable individuals, gradual steps, multiple failures, and countless ordinary and usually uncredited acts that lead to our most astounding breakthroughs. Drawing on examples from Mozart to the Muppets, Archimedes to Apple, Kandinsky to a can of Coke, How to Fly a Horse is essential reading for would-be creators and innovators, and also a passionate and immensely rewarding exploration of how “new” comes to be.
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“Creativity is not just the privilege of a few; it is a universal human ability that enables us to change the world around us.”
How to Fly a Horse
By Kevin Ashton
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kevin Ashton is a prominent author and speaker known for his influential works on technology and innovation. He is best known for his book 'How to Fly a Horse: An Approach to Creativity,' which debunks myths about creativity and emphasizes the importance of hard work, persistence, and the collaborative nature of creative endeavors. Ashton is also credited with coining the term 'Internet of Things' and has written extensively on topics related to technology's impact on society. His writing style is characterized by clarity and practicality, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.
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