Invention and Innovation

In "Invention and Innovation," New York Times-bestselling author Vaclav Smil explores the complex history of human creativity, offering a critical perspective on the realities of innovation. He distinguishes between invention and its application, examining notable failures, disasters, and unfulfilled promises in technological advancement, such as airships and nuclear fusion. With a blend of historical insight and scientific knowledge, Smil outlines the challenges posed by overhyped inventions and concludes with a wish list for future innovations essential to addressing twenty-first-century issues. This engaging narrative serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for realistic expectations in the realm of human ingenuity.