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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Makers summary
Chris Anderson
The New Industrial Revolution
12 mins
Brief summary
'Makers' by Chris Anderson is a guidebook for the modern entrepreneur, providing practical advice on how to turn creative ideas into successful businesses. The book explores the growing trend of digital manufacturing and how it is changing the landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation.
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Makers
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Key idea 1 of 5
The Maker Movement is about people manufacturing things and sharing ideas.
People have always made things. Today, however, Makers are designing things on computers and manufacturing them at home without physical resources, using digital tools. What’s more, they share their ideas in online communities.
The DIY spirit of the punk and web era has arrived in the form of manufacturing, where instead of relying on large corporations for goods, people can create them themselves.
For example, when the author’s daughters wanted new furniture for their dollhouse, they found the selection available from classic toymakers to be very limited. While they did find the Victorian sofas and chairs they wanted, they couldn’t find the right size.
So, the author searched the web, and found a website offering online design files for dollhouse furniture. There, he found designs for Victorian furniture and modified the files so that they fit the size of his daughters’ dollhouse.
But having the designs isn’t the same as having the furniture. So, he simply printed the files on his 3D printer – for free.
The Makers are empowered by the web’s culture of sharing and collaborating. Open source software, for example, enables people to write and modify software to fit their own needs for free instead of getting mass-produced, one-size-fits-all programs that don’t always meet the needs of the user.
Just like the chair and sofa designs that the author found online, people actively design things that were previously unavailable and make them available for others. Then anybody with the know-how can modify the files and improve them.
We see this exemplified by the micro-culture and community that has arisen around creating weapons for toy manufacturer LEGO.
LEGO itself doesn’t make toys that resemble contemporary weapons, like assault rifles or grenade launchers. So, hobbyists design them online, where they can be shared and modified. These toys are then manufactured using 3D printers at home or by sending the files to online manufacturing services.
Some people even turned this hobby into a legitimate business, such as the LEGO weapon manufacturer BrickArms.
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What is Makers about?
Makers (2012) outlines the radical changes that are taking place in the manufacturing world, made possible by the internet and digital manufacturing technologies, and explores its implications for business and society.
Makers Review
Makers (2012) by Chris Anderson is a captivating exploration of the rise of a new generation of inventors and entrepreneurs who are reshaping the world through DIY manufacturing and innovation. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of makers, showcasing their ingenuity and the impact they have on industries and communities.
- With its inspiring stories of regular people turning their ideas into reality, the book is a testament to the power of human creativity and resourcefulness.
- The author's warm and engaging writing style draws readers in, making the book an enjoyable and educational read from start to finish.
Who should read Makers?
- Anyone who wants to know more about new business models and new technologies
- Anyone interested in 3D printing and open hardware
- Anyone interested in the future of manufacturing
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Makers FAQs
What is the main message of Makers?
The main message of Makers is that anyone can become a creator and bring their ideas to life.
How long does it take to read Makers?
The reading time for Makers varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Makers a good book? Is it worth reading?
Makers is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and the maker movement. It offers insights and inspiration in a concise format.
Who is the author of Makers?
The author of Makers is Chris Anderson.
What to read after Makers?
If you're wondering what to read next after Makers, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Doing Good Better by William MacAskill
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
- The Unfair Advantage by Ash Ali & Hasan Kubba
- Transcend by Scott Barry Kaufman
- Positive Chaos by Dan Thurmon
- Rich AF by Vivian Tu
- As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
- Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
- Free Speech by Jacob Mchangama
- Choose Your Enemies Wisely by Patrick Bet-David