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Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure

Name: Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure
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Book Synopsis: From the New York Times-bestselling author, a new volume on the history of human ingenuity—and its attendant breakthroughs and busts.

The world is never finished catching up with Vaclav Smil. In his latest and perhaps most readable book, Invention and Innovation, the prolific author—a favorite of Bill Gates—pens an insightful and fact-filled jaunt through the history of human invention. Impatient with the hype that so often accompanies innovation, Smil offers in this book a clear-eyed corrective to the overpromises that accompany everything from new cures for diseases to AI. He reminds us that even after we go quite far along the invention-development-application trajectory, we may never get anything real to deploy. Or worse, even after we have succeeded by introducing an invention, its future may be marked by underperformance, disappointment, demise, or outright harm.

Drawing on his vast breadth of scientific and historical knowledge, Smil explains the difference between invention and innovation. He then looks at three different types of inventions.

Inventions that failed to dominate as promised:

Airships
Nuclear fission
Supersonic flight

Inventions that turned disastrous:

Leaded gasoline
DDT
Chlorofluorocarbons

Inventions we have long been promised (and that would be highly beneficial):

Travel in vacuum (hyperloop)
Nitrogen-fixing cereals
Nuclear fusion

Finally, he offers a “wish list” of inventions that we most urgently need to confront the staggering challenges of the twenty-first century.

Filled with engaging examples and pragmatic approaches, this book is a sobering account of the folly that so often attends human ingenuity—and how we can, and must, better align our expectations with reality.

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Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure is not your typical history book. Written by the renowned author Vaclav Smil, this exhilarating volume takes you on a journey through the tangled world of human ingenuity. With an emphasis on separating the hype from reality, Smil delivers a refreshing and fact-driven perspective on the history of invention. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the stories behind groundbreaking ideas, this book is a must-read.

What sets Invention and Innovation apart is Smil's ability to dispel the myth of overnight success. Through meticulously researched examples, he sheds light on inventions that were once hailed as game-changers, only to fade into obscurity. From airships and supersonic flight to nuclear fission, Smil reveals the sobering truth behind these failed promises. This cautionary tale reminds us that not all inventions can live up to their initial hype, and it's crucial to approach new breakthroughs with skepticism.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Smil also delves into inventions that have had disastrous consequences for humanity. Take the case of leaded gasoline, DDT, and chlorofluorocarbons. These once widely used substances wreaked havoc on our environment and public health, serving as a reminder that innovation must always be evaluated in the context of long-term consequences.

So, what inventions are we still eagerly waiting for? In this captivating book, Smil explores promising ideas like travel in a vacuum (hyperloop), nitrogen-fixing cereals, and nuclear fusion. These potential breakthroughs could revolutionize transportation, food production, and energy generation. By understanding the challenges and implications associated with these inventions, we can navigate towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the triumphs and failures of human ingenuity? Dive into Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure, and let Vaclav Smil guide you through the exciting world of invention. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for the complexities of innovation and be empowered to separate the hype from the true game-changers. Don't just take our word for it, experience the enlightening journey yourself!

Get your copy of Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure today!

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