As If By Design (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781108477765)

The eureka moment is a myth. It is an altogether na ve and fanciful account of human progress. Innovations emerge from a much less mysterious combination of historical, circumstantial, and accidental influences. This book explores the origin and evolution of several important behavioral innovations including the high five, the Heimlich maneuver, the butterfly stroke, the moonwalk, and the Iowa caucus. Such creations' striking suitability to the situation and the moment appear ingeniously designed with foresight. However, more often than not, they actually arise 'as if by design.' Based on investigations into the histories of a wide range of innovations, Edward A. Wasserman reveals the nature of behavioral creativity. What surfaces is a fascinating web of causation involving three main factors: context, consequence, and coincidence. Focusing on the process rather than the product of innovation elevates behavior to the very center of the creative human endeavor.

Author: Edward A. Wasserman
ISBN-10: 1108477763
ISBN-13: 9781108477765
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 07/22/2021
Pages: 328
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 9.20h x 7.80w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2022