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Who Built That summary

Michelle Malkin

Awe-Inspiring Stories of American Tinkerpreneurs

3.3 (23 ratings)
13 mins

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Who Built That by Michelle Malkin honors the legacy of American inventors whose contributions are often overlooked. It documents the incredible stories and innovations behind our everyday items, from paper clips to windshield wipers.

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    Who Built That
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    Tinkerpreneurs are the driving force of innovation.

    Have you ever heard of tinkerpreneurs? The term may be unfamiliar, but it’s more than likely that their ideas and work are present in several aspects of your life. Inventors that are part-tinkerers, part-entrepreneurs, tinkerpreneurs have chosen to take their inventions out of the laboratory and bring them into the commercial world to create companies, jobs and profit.

    According to President Barack Obama, inventors are nothing special. They aren’t smarter than the rest of us, nor do they work harder. Public efforts such as schools, roads and bridges are all that underlie their success.

    But nothing could be further from the truth.

    In contrast to what Obama thinks, tinkerpreneurs are in fact engaged, clever and determined. They are the ones who create jobs and build companies, not merely the people who work those jobs or for those companies.

    Tinkerpreneurs take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the United States to invent and invest. As makers and creators, tinkerpreneurs constitute the top one percent. They enable both progress and growth. And yet, theirs is a profession fraught with challenges.

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    Key ideas in Who Built That

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    What is Who Built That about?

    Who Built That (2015) tells the stories of America’s most fascinating inventors from the last 150 years. These blinks reveal how these tinkerpreneurs, against all the odds, achieved commercial success with their revolutionary inventions.

    Who Built That Review

    Who Built That (2015) by Michelle Malkin is an eye-opening exploration of the incredible inventors and innovators behind some of America's most iconic structures. Here's why you should give this book a read:

    • Discover the untold stories of the brilliant minds who designed and constructed famous landmarks, giving you a new appreciation for their extraordinary achievements.
    • Uncover the secrets and challenges faced by architects and builders throughout history, offering fascinating insights into the tireless work behind the scenes.
    • Experience Malkin's detailed research and vivid storytelling, which brings to life the captivating tales behind these famous structures, making history come alive.

    Best quote from Who Built That

    Ill show you how just a small handful of tinkerpreneurs profoundly revolutionized and improved every aspect of our lives.

    —Michelle Malkin
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    Who should read Who Built That?

    • Aspiring inventors interested in the history of innovation
    • People interested in the development and future of intellectual property rights
    • Businesses concerned about the current innovative capacities of the United States

    About the Author

    Michelle Malkin is a columnist working for Fox News. She founded Hot Air and Twitchy.com. Who Built That is her fifth bestselling book.

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    Who Built That FAQs 

    What is the main message of Who Built That?

    Discover the unsung heroes behind everyday inventions and the importance of recognizing their contributions.

    How long does it take to read Who Built That?

    Reading time varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Who Built That a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Who Built That is a fascinating read that sheds light on the often overlooked innovators who shape our world.

    Who is the author of Who Built That?

    Michelle Malkin is the author of Who Built That.

    What to read after Who Built That?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Who Built That, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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