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SoBrief
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How We Got to Now
by Steven Johnson • 2014
Six ordinary breakthroughs built the modern world; their biggest consequences were never planned.
4.12
16k+
How We Got to Now Summary
How We Got to Now 91%
Six ordinary breakthroughs built the modern world; their biggest consequences were never planned.
by Steven Johnson 2014
4.12
16k+ ratings
The Alchemy of Us
by Ainissa Ramirez • 2020
We invented quartz clocks, steel rails, and silicon chips. Then they reinvented us.
3.90
1k+
The Alchemy of Us Summary
The Alchemy of Us 91%
We invented quartz clocks, steel rails, and silicon chips. Then they reinvented us.
by Ainissa Ramirez 2020
3.90
1k+ ratings
The Evolution of Useful Things
by Henry Petroski • 1994
Annoyance, not function, gave us forks, zippers, paper clips. The real driver of everyday design.
3.52
1k+
The Evolution of Useful Things Summary
The Evolution of Useful Things 91%
Annoyance, not function, gave us forks, zippers, paper clips. The real driver of everyday design.
by Henry Petroski 1994
3.52
1k+ ratings
The Pencil
by Henry Petroski • 1992
A pencil hides centuries of engineering failures, global trade, and the secret to good design.
3.80
657
The Pencil Summary
The Pencil 90%
A pencil hides centuries of engineering failures, global trade, and the secret to good design.
by Henry Petroski 1992
3.80
657 ratings
The Perfectionists
by Simon Winchester • 2018
From cylinders to microchips: the hidden pursuit of perfect smoothness that built the modern world.
4.15
7k+
The Perfectionists Summary
The Perfectionists 90%
From cylinders to microchips: the hidden pursuit of perfect smoothness that built the modern world.
by Simon Winchester 2018
4.15
7k+ ratings
Stuff Matters
by Mark Miodownik • 2013
What a steel razor and a teacup reveal about civilization: the hidden science of everyday materials.
4.11
21k+
Stuff Matters Summary
Stuff Matters 90%
What a steel razor and a teacup reveal about civilization: the hidden science of everyday materials.
by Mark Miodownik 2013
4.11
21k+ ratings
How to Dunk a Doughnut
by Len Fisher • 2002
A physicist unpacks the hidden forces inside a doughnut dunk, a boiled egg, and a boomerang.
3.34
277
How to Dunk a Doughnut Summary
How to Dunk a Doughnut 90%
A physicist unpacks the hidden forces inside a doughnut dunk, a boiled egg, and a boomerang.
by Len Fisher 2002
3.34
277 ratings
How to Invent Everything
by Ryan North • 2018
Stranded in the past with nothing but your wits, and the flowchart says you're before 50,000 BCE.
4.14
6k+
How to Invent Everything Summary
How to Invent Everything 89%
Stranded in the past with nothing but your wits, and the flowchart says you're before 50,000 BCE.
by Ryan North 2018
4.14
6k+ ratings
The Things We Make
by Bill Hammack • 2023
Engineering isn't applied science: it's the art of solving problems before anyone understands them.
3.75
1k+
The Things We Make Summary
The Things We Make 89%
Engineering isn't applied science: it's the art of solving problems before anyone understands them.
by Bill Hammack 2023
3.75
1k+ ratings
Small Things Considered
by Henry Petroski • 2003
Why nothing works perfectly: the constraints hiding inside every object you use.
3.40
334
Small Things Considered Summary
Small Things Considered 89%
Why nothing works perfectly: the constraints hiding inside every object you use.
by Henry Petroski 2003
3.40
334 ratings
The Idea Factory
by Jon Gertner • 2012
A phone monopoly's lab produced the transistor, the laser, and the digital age. How it worked.
4.21
9k+
The Idea Factory Summary
The Idea Factory 89%
A phone monopoly's lab produced the transistor, the laser, and the digital age. How it worked.
by Jon Gertner 2012
4.21
9k+ ratings
The Nature of Technology
by W. Brian Arthur • 2009
Technology is nature harnessed, then endlessly recombined. Each invention fuels the next.
3.95
858
The Nature of Technology Summary
The Nature of Technology 89%
Technology is nature harnessed, then endlessly recombined. Each invention fuels the next.
by W. Brian Arthur 2009
3.95
858 ratings
At Home
by Bill Bryson • 2010
Every room in your house conceals a history of bloodshed, invention, and empire.
3.99
99k+
At Home Summary
At Home 89%
Every room in your house conceals a history of bloodshed, invention, and empire.
by Bill Bryson 2010
3.99
99k+ ratings
Engineering in Plain Sight
by Grady Hillhouse • 2022
An illustrated field guide to the engineering secrets embedded in every street, pole, and bridge.
4.20
856
Engineering in Plain Sight Summary
Engineering in Plain Sight 88%
An illustrated field guide to the engineering secrets embedded in every street, pole, and bridge.
by Grady Hillhouse 2022
4.20
856 ratings
Tesla
by W. Bernard Carlson • 2013
The same mental discipline that electrified the world also led Nikola Tesla to ruin.
3.87
2k+
Tesla Summary
Tesla 88%
The same mental discipline that electrified the world also led Nikola Tesla to ruin.
by W. Bernard Carlson 2013
3.87
2k+ ratings
How Innovation Works
by Matt Ridley • 2020
Not lone geniuses but slow, collective tinkering, freedom, and accident drive real innovation.
4.11
4k+
How Innovation Works Summary
How Innovation Works 88%
Not lone geniuses but slow, collective tinkering, freedom, and accident drive real innovation.
by Matt Ridley 2020
4.11
4k+ ratings
Tesla
by Margaret Cheney • 1981
How the inventor of the twentieth century wound up alone with a white pigeon.
3.71
7k+
Tesla Summary
Tesla 88%
How the inventor of the twentieth century wound up alone with a white pigeon.
by Margaret Cheney 1981
3.71
7k+ ratings
TRIZ For Dummies
by Lilly Haines-Gadd • 2016
Turn impossible trade-offs into breakthroughs. A patent-proven method for systematic innovation.
4.07
54
TRIZ For Dummies Summary
TRIZ For Dummies 88%
Turn impossible trade-offs into breakthroughs. A patent-proven method for systematic innovation.
by Lilly Haines-Gadd 2016
4.07
54 ratings
Invent It, Sell It, Bank It!
by Lori Greiner • 2014
From idea to retail: how to prototype, patent, pitch, and sell your product on live TV.
3.97
603
Invent It, Sell It, Bank It! Summary
Invent It, Sell It, Bank It! 88%
From idea to retail: how to prototype, patent, pitch, and sell your product on live TV.
by Lori Greiner 2014
3.97
603 ratings
Wizard
by Marc J. Seifer • 1996
Electrified the world, outsmarted by rivals, bankrupted by a giant tower: the Nikola Tesla story.
3.73
7k+
Wizard Summary
Wizard 88%
Electrified the world, outsmarted by rivals, bankrupted by a giant tower: the Nikola Tesla story.
by Marc J. Seifer 1996
3.73
7k+ ratings
My Inventions
by Nikola Tesla • 1935
Tesla's mind was his lab, his curse, and the only place his machines ever ran perfectly.
3.91
13k+
My Inventions Summary
My Inventions 88%
Tesla's mind was his lab, his curse, and the only place his machines ever ran perfectly.
by Nikola Tesla 1935
3.91
13k+ ratings
Invention by Design; How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing
by Petroski • 1996
Paper clips, fax machines, bridges: what their shortcomings reveal about the logic of engineering.
3.75
351
Invention by Design; How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing Summary
Invention by Design; How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing 88%
Paper clips, fax machines, bridges: what their shortcomings reveal about the logic of engineering.
by Petroski 1996
3.75
351 ratings
Where Good Ideas Come From
by Steven Johnson • 2010
Breakthroughs come from networks, borrowed parts, and gradual insights, not lone geniuses.
3.99
16k+
Where Good Ideas Come From Summary
Where Good Ideas Come From 88%
Breakthroughs come from networks, borrowed parts, and gradual insights, not lone geniuses.
by Steven Johnson 2010
3.99
16k+ ratings
How to Fly a Horse
by Kevin Ashton • 2014
'Lone genius' never existed. The real story of invention is step-by-step, and anyone can follow it.
4.01
2k+
How to Fly a Horse Summary
How to Fly a Horse 88%
'Lone genius' never existed. The real story of invention is step-by-step, and anyone can follow it.
by Kevin Ashton 2014
4.01
2k+ ratings
How Technology Works
by D.K. Publishing • 2019
A visual tour of the physics inside your phone, your microwave, and the power grid.
4.33
166
How Technology Works Summary
How Technology Works 88%
A visual tour of the physics inside your phone, your microwave, and the power grid.
by D.K. Publishing 2019
4.33
166 ratings
Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy
by Tim Harford • 2017
Fifty inventions, from barbed wire to infant formula, and the economic ripples nobody saw coming.
4.06
4k+
Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy Summary
Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy 88%
Fifty inventions, from barbed wire to infant formula, and the economic ripples nobody saw coming.
by Tim Harford 2017
4.06
4k+ ratings
Life Hacks
by Keith Bradford • 2014
Fast phone charging, quick hiccup relief, sinking-car escape: tiny fixes that cover daily life.
3.75
1k+
Life Hacks Summary
Life Hacks 88%
Fast phone charging, quick hiccup relief, sinking-car escape: tiny fixes that cover daily life.
by Keith Bradford 2014
3.75
1k+ ratings
Wright Brothers, Wrong Story
by William Elliott azelgrove • 2018
Wilbur Wright solved flight alone. Orville Wright spent decades burying that fact.
3.66
130
Wright Brothers, Wrong Story Summary
Wright Brothers, Wrong Story 88%
Wilbur Wright solved flight alone. Orville Wright spent decades burying that fact.
by William Elliott azelgrove 2018
3.66
130 ratings
Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness
by Henepola Gunaratana • 2001
You wake up to cortisol, brush with fluoride, and carry a lithium battery. Chemistry did that.
4.3
2k+
Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness Summary
Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness 88%
You wake up to cortisol, brush with fluoride, and carry a lithium battery. Chemistry did that.
by Henepola Gunaratana 2001
4.3
2k+ ratings
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned
by Kenneth O. Stanley • 2015
Ambitious objectives blind you to the very discoveries that make them obsolete.
3.98
1k+
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned Summary
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned 88%
Ambitious objectives blind you to the very discoveries that make them obsolete.
by Kenneth O. Stanley 2015
3.98
1k+ ratings
Democratizing Innovation
by Eric von Hippel • 2005
Innovation's hidden engine isn't corporate R&D. It's users, and companies that ignore them lose out.
3.62
617
Democratizing Innovation Summary
Democratizing Innovation 88%
Innovation's hidden engine isn't corporate R&D. It's users, and companies that ignore them lose out.
by Eric von Hippel 2005
3.62
617 ratings
The Idea Hunter
by Andy Boynton • 2011
Curiosity, observation, and rapid prototyping: a daily system for finding ideas anywhere.
3.77
585
The Idea Hunter Summary
The Idea Hunter 87%
Curiosity, observation, and rapid prototyping: a daily system for finding ideas anywhere.
by Andy Boynton 2011
3.77
585 ratings
Maintenance of Everything
by Stewart Brand • 2026
Civilization runs on maintenance nobody sees, values, or funds. Until it stops.
4.00
516
Maintenance of Everything Summary
Maintenance of Everything 87%
Civilization runs on maintenance nobody sees, values, or funds. Until it stops.
by Stewart Brand 2026
4.00
516 ratings
Hertzian Tales
by Anthony Dunne • 1999
Electronic objects are behavioral scripts and portals to a hidden electromagnetic world.
4.26
125
Hertzian Tales Summary
Hertzian Tales 87%
Electronic objects are behavioral scripts and portals to a hidden electromagnetic world.
by Anthony Dunne 1999
4.26
125 ratings
Faster
by Ankit Fadia • 2013
100 tips for faster devices, smarter email, and a phone that actually saves you time.
4.05
211
Faster Summary
Faster 87%
100 tips for faster devices, smarter email, and a phone that actually saves you time.
by Ankit Fadia 2013
4.05
211 ratings
Hunch
by Bernadette Jiwa • 2017
Breakthrough ideas start with noticing what others overlook, and that is a skill you can train.
3.51
490
Hunch Summary
Hunch 87%
Breakthrough ideas start with noticing what others overlook, and that is a skill you can train.
by Bernadette Jiwa 2017
3.51
490 ratings
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
by William Kamkwamba • 2009
A Malawian dropout, a library book on energy, and a windmill built from scrap metal.
4.24
12k+
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Summary
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind 87%
A Malawian dropout, a library book on energy, and a windmill built from scrap metal.
by William Kamkwamba 2009
4.24
12k+ ratings
Jony Ive
by Leander Kahney • 2013
Before the iPhone, a soft-spoken British designer saved Apple with a translucent computer.
3.99
7k+
Jony Ive Summary
Jony Ive 87%
Before the iPhone, a soft-spoken British designer saved Apple with a translucent computer.
by Leander Kahney 2013
3.99
7k+ ratings
The Right Chemistry
by Joe Schwarcz • 2012
Why soap cleans, what killed Napoleon, and 106 other chemical mysteries of daily life.
3.84
79
The Right Chemistry Summary
The Right Chemistry 87%
Why soap cleans, what killed Napoleon, and 106 other chemical mysteries of daily life.
by Joe Schwarcz 2012
3.84
79 ratings
Momentos estelares de la ciencia
by Isaac Asimov • 1959
From Archimedes' bath to the splitting of the atom: the breakthroughs that built the modern mind.
4.11
674
Momentos estelares de la ciencia Summary
Momentos estelares de la ciencia 87%
From Archimedes' bath to the splitting of the atom: the breakthroughs that built the modern mind.
by Isaac Asimov 1959
4.11
674 ratings
ColdFusion Presents
by Dagogo Altraide • 2019
From steam to AI: the chain of breakthroughs that built the modern world, every link essential.
4.17
780
ColdFusion Presents Summary
ColdFusion Presents 87%
From steam to AI: the chain of breakthroughs that built the modern world, every link essential.
by Dagogo Altraide 2019
4.17
780 ratings
How to Bake Pi
by Eugenia Cheng • 2015
Math is logical structure, not calculation. Category theory reveals it; baking makes it stick.
3.64
2k+
How to Bake Pi Summary
How to Bake Pi 87%
Math is logical structure, not calculation. Category theory reveals it; baking makes it stick.
by Eugenia Cheng 2015
3.64
2k+ ratings
Whatever Happened to the Metric System?
by John Bemelmans Marciano • 2013
A tale of revolutions, divine measures, and why a global standard stopped at America's shores.
3.62
321
Whatever Happened to the Metric System? Summary
Whatever Happened to the Metric System? 87%
A tale of revolutions, divine measures, and why a global standard stopped at America's shores.
by John Bemelmans Marciano 2013
3.62
321 ratings
Life Hacks
by Dan Marshall • 2014
A staple remover opens a key ring. Frozen grapes chill your drink. Three hundred everyday hacks.
3.37
195
Life Hacks Summary
Life Hacks 87%
A staple remover opens a key ring. Frozen grapes chill your drink. Three hundred everyday hacks.
by Dan Marshall 2014
3.37
195 ratings
What Would Apple Do?
by Dirk Beckmann • 2013
The design and business rules Apple uses to dominate industries, and how to steal them.
3.21
43
What Would Apple Do? Summary
What Would Apple Do? 87%
The design and business rules Apple uses to dominate industries, and how to steal them.
by Dirk Beckmann 2013
3.21
43 ratings
Guesstimation
by Lawrence Weinstein • 2008
How to answer impossible questions with a napkin, a pen, and a few simple guesses.
3.75
432
Guesstimation Summary
Guesstimation 87%
How to answer impossible questions with a napkin, a pen, and a few simple guesses.
by Lawrence Weinstein 2008
3.75
432 ratings
Zig Zag
by R. Keith Sawyer • 2013
Creativity is trainable, not magic. Eight habits that turn scattered ideas into finished work.
3.90
375
Zig Zag Summary
Zig Zag 87%
Creativity is trainable, not magic. Eight habits that turn scattered ideas into finished work.
by R. Keith Sawyer 2013
3.90
375 ratings
Car Science
by Richard Hammond • 2008
From chemical explosions to downforce: the physics that makes cars go, stop, and nearly take flight.
4.44
144
Car Science Summary
Car Science 87%
From chemical explosions to downforce: the physics that makes cars go, stop, and nearly take flight.
by Richard Hammond 2008
4.44
144 ratings
Dad Hacks
by Dan Marshall • 2016
A wet paper towel, a toothpick, a pool noodle: 200+ household fixes every dad needs.
3.31
49
Dad Hacks Summary
Dad Hacks 87%
A wet paper towel, a toothpick, a pool noodle: 200+ household fixes every dad needs.
by Dan Marshall 2016
3.31
49 ratings
HVAC Tips 101
by Marvin Ray Williams • 2021
The filter, breaker, and drain checks that solve most HVAC problems before you call.
3.00
2
HVAC Tips 101 Summary
HVAC Tips 101 87%
The filter, breaker, and drain checks that solve most HVAC problems before you call.
by Marvin Ray Williams 2021
3.00
2 ratings
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