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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Inventology summary
Pagan Kennedy
How We Dream Up Things That Change the World
17 mins
Brief summary
Inventology by Pagan Kennedy delves into how inventors come up with their breakthrough ideas, and offers strategies to help anyone become more creative and resourceful in their daily life.
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Inventology
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Every great invention is borne of a problem in need of a solution.
Do you own a wheeled suitcase? If you do, you know how much easier it makes traveling; instead of lugging your luggage through train station and airport, you can simply and swiftly wheel it along. But did you know that these suitcases are a relatively recent invention?
Before the 1970s, everyone had to carry luggage by hand, no matter how heavy it was.
It took Bernard D. Sadow, the vice president of a luggage company, to recognize this problem and come up with a solution.
Inspiration struck while Sadow was walking through an airport and struggling with two heavy suitcases.
All too familiar with the problem, Sadow hit upon the solution when he saw an airport employee pushing a wheeled platform, atop which rested a heavy machine. “Why shouldn’t luggage have wheels, too?” Sadow thought. Soon, he’d developed and patented a prototype.
His first design sold well, but it wasn’t perfect: The wheels were placed on the long side of the suitcase and if you tugged too hard it would bump your legs, not to mention that turning corners caused it to topple.
Since Sadow only used his product while on vacation, he saw no need to spend time improving it. But an airline pilot named Robert Plath, in need of more than a mere holiday suitcase, decided to tinker with the trundling travel bag.
Eventually, after much work in his own private workshop, Plath developing the suitcase we know today: He put the wheels on the correct side and added a solid handle so the suitcase wouldn’t tip over or roll into your legs.
Plath’s design went on to become the universally loved product that people use whenever they need to travel.
So, why was Robert Plath able to build a better suitcase than Sadow? Well, since Plath had to travel every day, he had a better understanding of the problem, which, in turn, enabled him to hit upon a better solution. As we’ll see in the next blink, such familiarity is key to success.
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What is Inventology about?
Inventology (2016) shows us how the world’s brightest minds identify problems and come up with brilliant solutions. Find out how you need to think in order to discern future trends and create the next great invention!
Inventology Review
Inventology (2016) by Pagan Kennedy is a captivating exploration of the process of invention and why we have the potential to be inventors. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It unveils fascinating stories of inventors and their groundbreaking creations, providing a glimpse into the creative process and inspiring readers to think innovatively.
- By examining the science behind invention and how our minds work, the book offers valuable insights into tapping into our own inventiveness.
- With its engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking ideas, the book ensures that the topic of invention remains anything but boring, keeping readers captivated throughout.
Best quote from Inventology
To transform the world, you can start small, with whatever is sitting on your desk right now.
—Pagan Kennedy
Who should read Inventology?
- Anyone interested in coming up with new ideas
- Business owners looking for great solutions
- Entrepreneurs looking for inspiration to start a new business
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Inventology FAQs
What is the main message of Inventology?
Inventology explores the power of human ingenuity and offers insights on how to cultivate innovative thinking.
How long does it take to read Inventology?
The reading time for Inventology varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Inventology a good book? Is it worth reading?
Inventology is a must-read for anyone interested in creativity and invention. It provides fascinating stories and actionable lessons in a concise format.
Who is the author of Inventology?
The author of Inventology is Pagan Kennedy.
What to read after Inventology?
If you're wondering what to read next after Inventology, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Tubes by Andrew Blum
- Bourbon Empire by Reid Mitenbuler
- Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- LIT by Jeff Karp
- Uncommon by Mark Divine
- Moore’s Law by Arnold Thackray
- SYSTEMology by David Jenyns
- The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
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