Review: The Myths of Innovation by Scott Berkun

Have you ever wondered what the famous inventers had that made them different than you?  Are the technological marvels of our days something greater than we, ordinary humans we are, could ever be capable of producing?  The Myths of Innovation is a fascinating book by Scott Berkun that digs through the history of invention and brings out the common misconceptions about the process of innovation.

After first reminding us that the word Innovation means “significant positive change” and is thus not something that ordinary services or products display, Berkun then shows you how many of the “innovations” of today are simply the result of centuries of smaller advances.  He uncovers the myths behind many famous creative moments, and shows us that there’s no magical trick to invention.  Rather, the inventive and creative people that we eulogize simply worked and worked, putting their best effort with the cumulative advances of civilization into something we’d use today.

I found this book to be a very enjoyable history of the major milestones of invention throughout history.  History is the best tool for teaching us from other’s mistakes and progresses, and this book helps expose where our folktales often stray from the true way breakthroughs were discovered.  After arming them with this knowledge, Berkun inspires readers to go and keep striving instead of waiting around for the mythical creative spark.  Whether you’re simply curious about the process behind invention and true innovation, or want to be inspired to go out and create something yourself, this is an entertaining and educational book you’ll enjoy.

Our Rating: 10/10

Purchase The Myths of Innovation from O’Reilly Press [$14.99 eBook/$17.99 print]

Purchase The Myths of Innovation from Amazon.com [$9.99 Kindle eBook/$11.00 print]

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