

#1230
Mentioned in 19 episodes
Where Good Ideas Come From
The Natural History of Innovation
Book • 2010
In 'Where Good Ideas Come From', Steven Johnson delves into the natural history of innovation by identifying seven key patterns: the adjacent possible, liquid networks, the slow hunch, serendipity, error, exaptation, and platforms.
Johnson argues that innovative ideas often result from slow hunches that develop over time through interactions within 'liquid networks' of diverse minds.
He also highlights the importance of environments that facilitate the mixing and mingling of ideas, such as big cities, which are more innovative due to their superlinear scaling of creativity.
The book draws on historical examples and contemporary cases to illustrate how these patterns contribute to groundbreaking innovations.
Johnson argues that innovative ideas often result from slow hunches that develop over time through interactions within 'liquid networks' of diverse minds.
He also highlights the importance of environments that facilitate the mixing and mingling of ideas, such as big cities, which are more innovative due to their superlinear scaling of creativity.
The book draws on historical examples and contemporary cases to illustrate how these patterns contribute to groundbreaking innovations.
Mentioned by




























Mentioned in 19 episodes
Mentioned by 

while discussing reading habits and their benefits.


Cal Newport

2,850 snips
Ep. 283: How To Organize Your Life
Mentioned by 

as a book exploring how innovation works.


Steven Johnson

575 snips
Steven Johnson: How to Write with AI | How I Write Podcast
Mentioned by 

and discussed in relation to commonplace books.


Cal Newport

478 snips
Ep. 334: Hallmark Movies and the Deep Life
Recommended by 

as an insightful read on innovation history.


Josh Woodward

225 snips
Josh Woodward: Google Labs is Rapidly Building AI Products from 0-to-1
Mentioned by 

for business advice, particularly his ideas on the adjacent possible.


Sam Schillace

220 snips
How to be more innovative | Sam Schillace (Microsoft deputy CTO, creator of Google Docs)
Mentioned by 

as one of his favorite authors, whose books explore the origins of good ideas and the evolution of technology.


David Pierce

108 snips
The chatbot becomes the teacher
Mentioned by 

as the next book to be discussed on the podcast.


Mike Schmitz

86 snips
154: The Great Mental Models Volume 2 by Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish
Recommended by 

due to its relevance to PKM and software development.


Mike Schmitz

82 snips
155: Where Good Ideas Come From by Stephen Johnson
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of his books, discussing its exploration of where good ideas come from.

Steven Berlin Johnson

54 snips
AI-Powered "Tools for Thought": Exploring NotebookLM with Steven Berlin Johnson | E1869
Mentioned by 

as a book he considers one of the best he's ever read, focusing on innovation.


Philippe Gijsels

52 snips
Philippe Gijsels | Shifting Economic Sands... Meditations On 'The Fourth Turning'
Mentioned by 

as a book exploring where good ideas come from, a perfect follow-up to mental models.


Mike Schmitz

39 snips
153: I Didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeline Dore
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of his favorite books, highlighting its insights on where good ideas originate.

Justin

27 snips
Remaining Authentic in Retirement with Kelsey Hightower
Mentioned by 

when introducing Stephen Johnson, highlighting his career as a bestselling author.


Ashley Oldacre

20 snips
NotebookLM with Steven Johnson and Raiza Martin
Mentioned by 

when discussing commonplace books.


Cindy

20 snips
Replay: Tom Bilyeu Q&A: Future Tech, Singularity, and Swearing Explained
Speaker references Stephen Johnson's books, briefly listing some of them.

17 snips
20. How Sci-Fi Became Reality: The History of AI
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the ideas around hyperstition and mimetics.

Andy Ayrey

17 snips
Memetics, Religion & the Power of Humanity in the AI Age ft. Ryan Ferris and Andy Ayrey
Mentioned by 

in the podcast introduction as one of his 14 books on science, technology, and the history of innovation.


Steven Johnson

12 snips
New Year, New Ideas with Google Part 3: Shantanu Sinha, Jennie Magiera, and Steven Johnson on AI in Education
Mentioned by 

when discussing the concept of the adjacent possible in innovation.


Tim Harford

The False Dawn of the Electric Car
Recommended by ![undefined]()

for its insights on innovation and change.

Ron Heifetz

Dr. Ron Heifetz - A Brave Space
Mentioned by 

in the discussion about the nature of innovation, highlighting the concept of simultaneous invention.


Miles Lasater

Decision-Making Under Uncertainty and Entrepreneurship (with Miles Lasater)