Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #306297 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

An interesting look at history
This book encourages the reader to consider how the creators of even the most significant of inventions can be lost in history without the right connections and a whole lot of luck. I couldn't help thinking about the loses - The pyramids of Egypt are technological marvels yet the individuals who developed the techniques that made the pyramids possible are lost in history along with the technology they created. How many school books tell about Nikola Tesla? - The fact is, some of our most famous historical figures are famous not just for their genius, but because they were in the right place at the right time. This book also invites the reader to explore how one little moment in history can profoundly affect the next. Just think - How might history have been different if Hitler had been accepted to the art school he applied to in his youth, instead of being rejected?

6 Stars for this Series and Book...5 stars just isn't enough!
I saw James Burke's Connections Series when it came out years ago and it made a tremendous impact on me. I then read the book cover to cover!

It was a joy to watch Burke carefully take us (the viewers) with him on an amazing journey. He showed time and again how people throughout history used their critical thinking skills to create amazing human creations from seemingly unrelated discoveries and decisions that were made before them.

Burke showed that whatever we create today, we can't possibly imagine what type of morphing it will go through time and what incredible thing(S) it may become tomorrow.

Connections (the series and book) also allow us to peek into the mind of the inventor. For example, in his book Connections, Burke writes about Thomas Edison: "When Edison died he had over a thousand patents filed in his name, thanks to the work of the men in his laboratory. Each man was a specialist in his field, serving the needs of Edison's fertile imagination as well as his acute understanding of the seller's market in which he lived. Edison never developed an idea unless he knew in advance that it would be profitable."

Years after reading the book and watching the series I went to a James Burke lecture. He is as personable, passionate, interesting, animated and fun in person as he is on the series! At one point during the lecture I asked a question and he answered it and joked with me. When he signed my book later he asked if I was okay with his ribbing. I said I was pleased that he had such a great sense of humor and allowed me to be part of it!

The underlying theme in connections is how we as humans are connected to our species though our works and discoveries. We are all in this boat called life together!

6 Stars for this Series and Book...5 stars just isn't enough!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

A superior book for those who relish the wonders of history.
Mr. Burke's clear and conversational style make this book a comfortable and quick read. If you are a fan of the TV series, this book will not disappoint. If you have never seen the series, this book makes you want to see the video version. Either way, the book stands on its own merits.