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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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How Innovation Works summary
And Why It Flourishes in Freedom
29 mins
Brief summary
How Innovation Works by Matt Ridley is a fascinating read that explores the history of innovation and dispels commonly held beliefs about how it happens. Ridley argues that innovation is a collaborative effort that arises from trial and error, and the ability to share and improve upon ideas.
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How Innovation Works
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Key idea 1 of 9
Innovation is a complex, messy, and collective process.
The Industrial Revolution – the giant leap in productivity that kicked off the modern era – began when humans first harnessed the power of steam to automate work. To do this, they used a new machine called the atmospheric steam engine. So, who do we thank for this astounding achievement? A man named Denis Papin.
Or, wait, maybe we should thank Thomas Savery. Or, hold on, maybe a fellow called Thomas Newcomen deserves our praise? The truth is, all three men deserve some credit, but none of them can claim all of it.
That’s because, around 1700, Papin, Savery, and Newcomen all produced their own working models of the atmospheric engine. To this day, it’s unclear who was truly first or how much each inventor influenced the others.
The key message here is: Innovation is a complex, messy, and collective process.
We often associate a new invention with a single creator. However, that’s an oversimplification of how innovation operates. Even the most creative people don’t work in a vacuum. They’re always influenced by the tools, technologies, ideas, and social structures that surround them. This often means multiple forces contribute to an innovation, even when one person takes the credit.
Let’s consider the case of the atmospheric steam engine. This relatively simple device heats and cools water in a metal cylinder. The changing pressure caused by steam creates movement that can be used for work, like pumping water out of mines. Could Papin, Savery, or Newcomen have invented this completely on their own?
Not really. The basic ideas behind the device were already hot topics of discussion in scientific circles at the time. Papin and Savery, both educated men, refined their thinking by exchanging letters and papers with other inventors. Moreover, Newcomen, who built the most successful version of the engine, relied on previous advances in blacksmithing technology to complete his machine. Thus, each man’s invention was also a product of their backgrounds and influences.
This principle applies to all innovation. While Thomas Edison gets credit for inventing the light bulb in 1879, the truth is, more than 20 other creators patented similar contraptions in earlier decades. All these thinkers were responding to ideas and technologies circulating at the time. Of course, some of these attempts were better than others, but none of these innovations happened in complete isolation.
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What is How Innovation Works about?
How Innovation Works (2020) presents a provocative view of history in which innovation takes center stage. This detailed account of human ingenuity explains how innovation happens and why it is important.
How Innovation Works Review
How Innovation Works (2020) explores the fascinating process of innovation and why it is essential for human progress. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides fascinating examples and stories from history to illustrate how innovation has shaped our world, making it a captivating read.
- Packed with insightful analysis and evidence, the book offers a deeper understanding of what drives innovation and how it can be fostered.
- With its intriguing examination of the factors that can hinder innovation and the importance of trial and error, the book challenges conventional thinking and sparks new ideas.
Best quote from How Innovation Works
One of the flaws in the way we recount stories of innovation is that we unfairly single out individuals, ignoring the contribution of lesser mortals.
—Matt Ridley
Who should read How Innovation Works?
- History buffs interested in the roots of today’s technology
- Futurists eagerly anticipating the next big invention
- Anyone curious about how and why the world changes
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How Innovation Works FAQs
What is the main message of How Innovation Works?
The main message of How Innovation Works is that innovation is driven by trial and error, and it is a gradual and collective process.
How long does it take to read How Innovation Works?
The reading time for How Innovation Works varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is How Innovation Works a good book? Is it worth reading?
How Innovation Works is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in understanding innovation. It provides insights and examples that shed light on the process of innovation.
Who is the author of How Innovation Works?
The author of How Innovation Works is Matt Ridley.
What to read after How Innovation Works?
If you're wondering what to read next after How Innovation Works, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Evolution of Everything by Matt Ridley
- Genome by Matt Ridley
- The Myths of Innovation by Scott Berkun
- Sex, Murder and the Meaning of Life by Douglas T. Kenrick
- The Red Queen by Matt Ridley
- Zero to One by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters
- Innovation in Real Places by Dan Breznitz
- Stop Self-Sabotage by Dr. Judy Ho
- Say What They Can't Unhear by Tamsen Webster
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell