How To Fly A Horse
Ashton, KevinIf at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It turns out that our parents really did know what they were talking about. Forget about needing to be a genius, this book convincingly debunks the mythical nature of creativity and reveals the consistent factors at the root of discovery and innovation.
Drawing on examples as diverse as the discovery that stomach ulcers are caused by a bacterium through to James Dyson's development of a cyclone-based vacuum cleaner, author Kevin Ashton demonstrates that the same principles apply.
Subtitled 'The secret history of creation, invention and discovery' this is a thought-provoking and wide ranging exploration of creativity. [Small font]
Pages
298
298
Year
2015
2015
Reviews
24-01-2024
We liked the chapter beginnings very much. They were all arresting and interesting, but the writing soon degenerated into endless short, punchy sentences; a series of assertions like the haranguing of a revivalist preacher, which did your head in. We thought perhaps that each chapter had been a magazine article and that that they had all been stitched together to make a book...
24-01-2024
The anecdotes and examples were very interesting and illuminating. However, we felt that they were often presented in an overly repetitive style.
24-01-2024
Interesting book in parts. A book to delve into rather than read in one go. We learnt a lot from it.
24-01-2024
Half the group failed to finish this book - the writing was very abstract and the material difficult for some to access. Perseverance with the material was rewarded in the second half which flowed more easily. An interesting treatise on what 'creativity' is - genius or hard graft
10-01-2024
A fascinating read, although hard going at times. Provoked a lot of discussion.
02-04-2021
I didn't remember even putting this book on my book list and most of us weren't keen to continue reading after the first chapter, as interesting as it may have been. However, I noticed in another review that a convener had suggested each person read just one different chapter. As with WANG 005, this worked very well and we probably had the longest discussion we have ever had - and learned some interesting facts also!
13-03-2019
The initial reaction to the handing out of this book was not enthusiastic. So, it was decided that each person would read one different chapter each and report back to the group. This process worked remarkably well, and led to a very lively and entertaining evening!
11-03-2019
The members who read this book really enjoyed it. Others " just couldn't get into it".
03-10-2018
This book was not our favourite. It rambled on, and we couldn't see what he was trying to say or where he was heading with his ideas.
03-10-2018
There was a surprising enthusiasm for this book. A lively discussion was held, and everyone had a view (none conflicting); all enjoyed the read. Even those who hadn't quite finished reading the book were able to join in.
03-10-2018
Only half our group could read the very small font, but those that did really enjoyed the book. Lots of quotables.
03-10-2018
We had a great discussion, stimulated by the book and notes. Personally, I thought the book very topical and thought-provoking, but a trifle long in parts.
03-10-2018
A mixed reaction, but a it provoked a very good discussion.
15-05-2018
We enjoyed the content of this book but felt that the author laboured the point quite a bit with too many examples given.