How We Got to Now Summary

Summary of How We Got to Now Book by Steven Johnson

Name: How We Got to Now
Rating: 4.5 (1256 reviews)
Author: Steven Johnson

4.5 . 1256 reviews

Short summary

Have you thought about how the things you take for granted came to be? You might never think twice about flicking on a light switch, but can you imagine life in darkness once the sun goes down? Some of the world’s most important inventions are the result of not only hard work, but in some cases, total coincidence. Small problems can often be the trigger for amazing creations. What does that tell you? That anyone can invent something that could change the world! Best-selling science and technology author, Steven Johnson, aims to explain where some of the world’s most life-changing inventions came from, perhaps intending to make us more grateful for their existence and encourage you to come up with your own. “Innovations usually begin life with an attempt to solve a specific problem, but once they get into circulation, they end up triggering other changes that would have been extremely difficult to predict.” ~ Steven Johnson

13 min

7 key points

6 insights

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Table of content

Summary of How We Got to Now
About the author
What is How We Got to Now about?
Who should read How We Got to Now
Topics in How We Got to Now

first key point

Simple things are not always what they seem; they may lead to the world’s most significant inventions

Listen the first key point

00:00

New things are being invented all the time. We don’t hear about many of them because they don’t have a significant impact on our lives, at least not yet. However, some of the world’s most prominent and relevant inventions came from small and humble beginnings, and many have become so ingrained in our lives that we take them for granted.

Steven Johnson had a deep interest in science and technology, and as such, he researched the hidden depths of some of the world’s most influential inventions. We’re talking about mirrors, telescopes, telephones, air conditioning, and lights.

These are things we all use in our daily lives. We don’t really pay too much attention to them, but we've come to need them! Steven Johnson also found that many of these life-changing inventions came to be from different problems altogether — mirrors came from glass-embellished jewelry and telephones from echoes in a cave. These inventions have dramatically affected the evolution of human life.

Some of the world’s most innovative conceptions were designed by ordinary people — not geniuses! What can you achieve?

Therefore, trying to solve one problem leads to not only answering that issue but also solving several others along the way. Most of the inventions we know now never intended to be as well-rounded as they are. They developed over time and created a complete solution for a problem as it evolved. After all, one small action usually affects another. This knock-on effect leads to new ways to live and, in nature, new methods for species to survive.

Inventions are rarely products of single-minded inspiration. They’re born out of hard work, perseverance, and many hurdles along the way.

Throughout this summary, you will learn about some of the world’s most life-changing inventions and where they came from. The results might surprise you and could even push you towards being more grateful for their existence in your life. If nothing else, maybe it will inspire you to start thinking of your own potential inventions. Who knows, you might be the next big name to come up with something amazing!

second key point

From a tiny grain of sand, glass and mirrors were born

Do you ever wonder where your mirror came from? Or the glass in your window? To trace back to its earliest origins, we need to take a trip to the very edge of the Sahara Desert, to Libya, to be exact. We also need to go back in time, approximately 26 million years ago.

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third key point

From a simple block of ice, we developed artificial refrigeration

fourth key point

The invention of the telephone goes back to the earliest Neanderthals

fifth key point

You have the development of sewers to thank for your underground commute

sixth key point

From whales to lightbulbs, artificial light has done more than just light up our lives

seventh key point

Conclusion

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What is How We Got to Now about?

In "How We Got to Now," the author explores six pivotal innovations that have shaped the modern world. From the discovery of glass to the development of refrigeration, Steven Johnson delves into the interconnectedness of these breakthroughs and their profound impact on society. Through captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, he reveals the unexpected origins and far-reaching consequences of these innovations, offering a fresh perspective on the history of human progress.

Who should read How We Got to Now

History enthusiasts seeking to understand the pivotal innovations shaping our world.
Science and technology enthusiasts eager to explore the origins of modern advancements.
Curious individuals interested in the interconnectedness of past and present innovations.

Topics in How We Got to Now

Innovation Technology History Inventions Science Creativity Engineering the Industrial Revolution Progress Problem Solving Social Change Cultural History Communication Entrepreneurship Future Studies

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