How We Got to Now

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.'"

How We Got to NowBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

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

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from How We Got to Now

About the Author

S

Steven Johnson

Steven Johnson is an acclaimed author and media theorist known for his engaging exploration of the intersection between science, technology, and culture. He has written numerous bestsellers, including 'Where Good Ideas Come From,' 'Everything Bad Is Good for You,' and 'The Ghost Map.' Johnson's writing style is characterized by a narrative approach that blends personal anecdotes with rigorous research, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Through his work, he often encourages readers to examine the underlying patterns of innovation and the dynamics of urban life, making him a prominent voice in contemporary non-fiction.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Steven Johnson
Published
September 2015
Publisher
Riverhead Books
ISBN
1594633932
Language
English
Pages
322
Genres
HistoryHistory of ScienceScience and Nature

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

SapiensBook binding

Sapiens

Yuval Noah Harari

The GeneBook binding

The Gene

Siddhartha Mukherjee

Clean CodeBook binding

Clean Code

Robert C. Martin

A Brief History of TimeBook binding

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking

Astrophysics for People in a HurryBook binding

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Neil deGrasse Tyson

FiascoBook binding

Fiasco

Frank Partnoy

21 Lessons for the 21st CenturyBook binding

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Yuval Noah Harari

Accidental PresidentsBook binding

Accidental Presidents

Jared Cohen

AeneidBook binding

Aeneid

Virgil

1421: The Year China Discovered The WorldBook binding

1421: The Year China Discovered The World

Gavin Menzies

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)Book binding

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

Ken Wilber

A Short History of Nearly EverythingBook binding

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

1491Book binding

1491

Charles C. Mann

Hardcore HistoryBook binding

Hardcore History

Dan Carlin

The Natural History of ReligionBook binding

The Natural History of Religion

David Hume

A Little History of the WorldBook binding

A Little History of the World

E. H. Gombrich

ConquerorsBook binding

Conquerors

Roger Crowley

A People's History of the United StatesBook binding

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn

The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient HistoryBook binding

The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History

Colin McEvedy

A History of the World in 100 ObjectsBook binding

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Neil MacGregor

The Idea of Decline in Western HistoryBook binding

The Idea of Decline in Western History

Arthur Herman

Game of Thrones versus HistoryBook binding

Game of Thrones versus History

Brian A. Pavlac

Other People's MoneyBook binding

Other People's Money

Charles V. Bagli

A History of the MindBook binding

A History of the Mind

Nicholas Humphrey

The Columbian ExchangeBook binding

The Columbian Exchange

Alfred W. Crosby

A Brief History of Seven KillingsBook binding

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James

A Short History of Financial EuphoriaBook binding

A Short History of Financial Euphoria

John Kenneth Galbraith

The Clockwork UniverseBook binding

The Clockwork Universe

Edward Dolnick

The Natural History of the VampireBook binding

The Natural History of the Vampire

Anthony Masters

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

View Collection
Bryan Johnson's Book Recommendations

Bryan Johnson's Book Recommendations

Bryan Johnson is an American entrepreneur, investor, and futurist, best known for founding Braintree, a payments company that was acquired by PayPal, and Kernel, a company focused on developing brain-computer interfaces. Johnson is deeply interested in advancing human cognition and longevity through technological innovation. His work at Kernel seeks to better understand the brain and its potential to enhance human intelligence. He is also the founder of OS Fund, which invests in companies tackling complex, world-changing problems in areas like health and energy. Johnson is a strong advocate for using technology to extend human potential and reshape the future of humanity.

View Collection
Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

Jamie Dimon is an American business executive, best known as the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world. Dimon has led JPMorgan through multiple economic crises, including the 2008 financial crash, and has consistently been recognized for his leadership in the banking industry. Under his tenure, JPMorgan has grown into a global financial powerhouse, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Dimon is also an advocate for corporate responsibility and frequently speaks on economic and regulatory issues. His leadership style and strategic insights have earned him widespread respect in the business world.

View Collection
Aubrey Marcus's Book Recommendations

Aubrey Marcus's Book Recommendations

Aubrey Marcus is an influential entrepreneur, author, and podcaster, best known for founding Onnit, a health and wellness company dedicated to optimizing human performance. He authored the acclaimed book "Own the Day, Own Your Life," which offers practical advice on improving daily routines for overall well-being. Marcus's contributions to literature extend through his insightful podcasts and articles that delve into personal development, mental health, and holistic living. As a thought leader, he has inspired countless individuals to pursue a balanced and fulfilling life. His work continues to resonate with a global audience, promoting a message of self-empowerment and holistic health.

View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

View Collection
Chris Dixon's Book Recommendations

Chris Dixon's Book Recommendations

Chris Dixon is a notable venture capitalist and technology entrepreneur, best known for his influential role as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Before joining the firm, Dixon co-founded two startups: SiteAdvisor, a web security company acquired by McAfee, and Hunch, a recommendation engine acquired by eBay. In addition to his investment career, Dixon is a prolific writer and thought leader on technology and innovation, contributing insightful essays and articles to various platforms such as his personal blog and Medium. His writings often explore the future of technology, the internet, and the impact of blockchain, making significant contributions to contemporary tech literature. Dixon's work has earned him recognition as a visionary in both the tech and literary worlds.

View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.

View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.

View Collection
Brian Earp's Book Recommendations

Brian Earp's Book Recommendations

Brian Earp is a distinguished ethicist and interdisciplinary researcher, renowned for his extensive work in medical ethics, philosophy, and psychology. He serves as the Associate Director of the Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy at Yale University. Earp has co-authored several influential books, including "Love Drugs: The Chemical Future of Relationships," which explores the ethical implications of using pharmaceuticals to enhance romantic relationships. His scholarly articles have been widely published in leading academic journals, making significant contributions to debates on bioethics, sexuality, and human enhancement. Earp is also recognized for his engaging public outreach, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and public discourse.

View Collection
Brian Cox's Book Recommendations

Brian Cox's Book Recommendations

Brian Cox is a Scottish actor and director, best known for his roles in films like Braveheart and Adaptation, as well as for his portrayal of media mogul Logan Roy in the hit HBO series Succession. Cox is renowned for his commanding screen presence and his ability to convey complex, often morally ambiguous characters. He has had a distinguished career in both film and theater, earning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for his performance in Succession. In addition to his acting work, Cox is a vocal advocate for arts education and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. His longevity and versatility have made him a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Lewis Cantley's Book Recommendations

Lewis Cantley's Book Recommendations

Lewis Cantley is a renowned cell biologist celebrated for his groundbreaking discovery of the enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), a pivotal molecule in cancer metabolism and cell signaling. This discovery has significantly advanced the understanding of cancer biology and has led to the development of targeted cancer therapies. Cantley has authored numerous influential scientific papers, contributing extensively to the fields of biochemistry and oncology. His illustrious career includes being a professor at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Weill Cornell Medical College. Cantley’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the receipt of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.

View Collection
Nick Szabo's Book Recommendations

Nick Szabo's Book Recommendations

Nick Szabo is a computer scientist, cryptographer, and legal scholar, best known for his pioneering work on digital contracts and cryptocurrency. Szabo is credited with developing the concept of “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. His early work in digital currency, including his project Bit Gold, laid the groundwork for the development of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Szabo is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community and continues to advocate for the use of decentralized systems to enhance privacy, security, and trust online. His contributions to cryptography and digital currencies have made him a foundational figure in the world of blockchain.

View Collection
Chamath Palihapitiya's Book Recommendations

Chamath Palihapitiya's Book Recommendations

Chamath Palihapitiya is a prominent venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and the founder of Social Capital, a firm that aims to advance humanity by solving complex societal problems. Although primarily known for his investments in companies like Slack and Box, Palihapitiya is also a vocal advocate for technology's role in societal improvement. He has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles on economic inequality, healthcare, and education reform, influencing public discourse and policy. His visionary ideas are often shared through platforms like Medium and various keynote speeches. Palihapitiya's multifaceted career underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for social good.

View Collection
Neil deGrasse Tyson's Book Recommendations

Neil deGrasse Tyson's Book Recommendations

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, best known for his work in popularizing science through various media. As the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, he has played a pivotal role in bringing astronomical discoveries to the public. Tyson has authored several bestselling books, including "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" and "The Pluto Files," which have made complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. He is also the host of the popular science TV show "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey," a continuation of Carl Sagan's groundbreaking series. Tyson's contributions have significantly enhanced public understanding and appreciation of the universe.

View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

View Collection
Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer is an American singer-songwriter, author, and performance artist, best known for her work as a solo artist and as part of the band The Dresden Dolls. Palmer is known for her theatrical performances, genre-blending music, and her strong connection with her fanbase. She has been a pioneer in crowdfunding, raising millions to fund her creative projects through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon. Palmer is also the author of The Art of Asking, where she explores themes of vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Her work transcends traditional music, blending performance art, activism, and community engagement.

View Collection

'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

Frequently Asked Questions