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- About the surprising origins of glass and mirrors
- Why ice changed the modern world
- How ancient caves influenced the telephone
- About the link between sewers and subways
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Simple things are not always what they seem; they may lead to the world’s most significant inventions
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.Glass is just glass, right? Well, no. Glass doesn’t just give you something to look through to the outside when you’re relaxing on your couch. Glass developed into jewelry, mirrors, and telescopes. Glass allows us to see ourselves and take selfies! It also allows us to see into space and have many beautiful decorative items in our homes. You probably didn’t realize how multipurpose glass is!Now, back to that desert.At some point, there was a spike in temperature, and nobody was really sure why. The chemical compounds within the individual grains of sand changed and became solid. This didn’t just happen to one grain of sand; it happened to the entire section of the desert. Many thousands of years later, an explorer found this solidified portion of the desert and decided to take a piece back home.
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first KEY POINT
From a simple block of ice, we developed artificial refrigeration
second KEY POINT
The invention of the telephone goes back to the earliest Neanderthals
third KEY POINT
You have the development of sewers to thank for your underground commute
fourth KEY POINT
From whales to lightbulbs, artificial light has done more than just light up our lives
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is 'How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World' about?
'How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World' by Steven Johnson explores the history and impact of six key innovations that shaped contemporary society. The book highlights how seemingly unrelated discoveries such as glass, cold, and sound revolutionized the way we live.
Is 'How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World' worth reading?
Yes, 'How We Got to Now' is worth reading for anyone interested in understanding the intricate connections between historical innovations and modern life. Steven Johnson's engaging storytelling and insightful analysis make complex subjects accessible and fascinating.
What are the key takeaways from 'How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World'?
Key takeaways from 'How We Got to Now' include the idea that innovations often stem from unexpected sources and connect people across different eras. Johnson emphasizes the concept of ‘the ripple effect’, showing how a single invention can lead to significant changes in society.
How many pages is 'How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World' and when was it published?
'How We Got to Now' has approximately 256 pages and was published on October 7, 2014. This length makes it a concise yet informative read for those eager to learn about the innovations that transformed our world.
Who is the author of 'How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World'?
The author of 'How We Got to Now' is Steven Johnson, a well-regarded writer and media theorist known for his work on the intersections of science, technology, and culture. Johnson's expertise adds significant credibility to the insights presented in the book.