How We Got to Now Book Summary

In 'How We Got to Now,' Steven Johnson reveals the hidden connections behind six crucial innovations that shaped the modern world. From glass to cold, he explores how seemingly unrelated developments have intertwined to create our contemporary landscape. This captivating narrative uncovers the ripple effects of ingenuity and the often-overlooked figures who drove progress. Johnson invites readers to consider how these innovations influence our lives today and what they might mean for the future. Prepare to see the past—and the present—through a new lens, challenging everything you thought you knew about innovation.

By Steven Johnson

Published: 2015

"'Innovation is not the exclusive domain of the genius inventor; it is a collective and cumulative process that often arises from the most unexpected sources.'"

Book Review of How We Got to Now

This book is a celebration of ideas: how they happen and their sometimes unintended results. Johnson shows how simple scientific breakthroughs have driven other discoveries through the network of ideas and innovations that made each finding possible. He traces important inventions through ancient and contemporary history, unlocking tales of unsung heroes and radical revolutions that changed the world and the way we live in it

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'Innovation is not the exclusive domain of the genius inventor; it is a collective and cumulative process that often arises from the most unexpected sources.'

How We Got to Now

By Steven Johnson