Make, Think, Imagine, John Browne
Make, Think, Imagine, John Browne
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Make, Think, Imagine
Engineering the Future of Civilization

Author: John Browne

Narrator: Kris Dyer

Unabridged: 11 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Ascent Audio

Published: 10/15/2019


Synopsis

Today's unprecedented pace of change leaves many people wondering what new technologies are doing to our lives. Has social media robbed us of our privacy and fed us with false information? Are the decisions about our health, security, and finances made by computer programs inexplicable and biased? Will these algorithms become so complex that we can no longer control them? Are robots going to take our jobs? Will better health care lead to an aging population which cannot be cared for? Can we provide housing for our ever-growing urban populations? And has our demand for energy driven the Earth's climate to the edge of catastrophe?

John Browne argues that we need not and must not put the brakes on technological advance. Civilization is founded on engineering innovation; all progress stems from the human urge to make things and to shape the world around us, resulting in greater freedom, health and wealth for all. Drawing on history, his own experiences, and conversations with many of today's great innovators, he uncovers the basis for all progress and its consequences, both good and bad. He argues compellingly that the same spark that triggers each innovation can be used to counter its negative consequences. Make, Think, Imagine provides an eloquent blueprint for how we can keep moving towards a brighter future.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Brian

When you read a politician's memoirs you know that, nine times out of ten, it won't really quite work, because the message can't carry a whole book. It's reminiscent of the old literary agent's cry of 'Is it a book, or is it an article?' It's not that there aren't a lot of words in such tomes. It's......more

Goodreads review by Chris

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I understand that some people didn't like the jumping around from subject to subject, but I felt that he maintained a consistent theme throughout the book. I'm sure I'm biased because I enjoy books like this, about engineering innovation, and I felt it was well writt......more

Goodreads review by Mike

Gave up on this around about the halfway mark. Too great an emphasis on progress, as though this was the only thing humans were capable of, along with a good deal of hubris from the author himself. He brings to light a number of interesting developments in technology, but there's also a lot of fille......more

Goodreads review by Lee

I have an avid interest in technology and I found this book extremely worthwhile and informative. Of particular value are the interviews which Browne has conducted with people whom are leading experts and extremely prominent people; access to whom could probably only be secured by someone of Browne’......more