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Make, Think, Imagine: Engineering the Future of Civilisation
Today's unprecedented pace of change leaves many people wondering what new technologies are doing to our lives. Has social media robbed us of our privacy and fed us with false information? Are the decisions about our health, security and finances made by computer programs inexplicable and biased? Will these algorithms become so complex that we can no longer control them? Are robots going to take our jobs? Will better health care lead to an aging population which cannot be cared for? Can we provide housing for our ever-growing urban populations? And has our demand for energy driven the Earth's climate to the edge of catastrophe?
John Browne argues that we need not and must not put the brakes on technological advance. Civilization is founded on engineering innovation; all progress stems from the human urge to make things and to shape the world around us, resulting in greater freedom, health and wealth for all. Drawing on history, his own experiences and conversations with many of today's great innovators, he uncovers the basis for all progress and its consequences, both good and bad. He argues compellingly that the same spark that triggers each innovation can be used to counter its negative consequences. Make, Think, Imagine provides an eloquent blueprint for how we can keep moving towards a brighter future.
John Browne argues that we need not and must not put the brakes on technological advance. Civilization is founded on engineering innovation; all progress stems from the human urge to make things and to shape the world around us, resulting in greater freedom, health and wealth for all. Drawing on history, his own experiences and conversations with many of today's great innovators, he uncovers the basis for all progress and its consequences, both good and bad. He argues compellingly that the same spark that triggers each innovation can be used to counter its negative consequences. Make, Think, Imagine provides an eloquent blueprint for how we can keep moving towards a brighter future.
432 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2019
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604 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 11, 2019
When you read a politician's memoirs you know that, nine times out of ten, it won't really quite work, because the message can't carry a whole book. It's reminiscent of the old literary agent's cry of 'Is it a book, or is it an article?' It's not that there aren't a lot of words in such tomes. It's almost obligatory for these books to be quite chunky. But it's a fair amount of work getting through them, and you don't feel entirely satisfied afterwards. Unfortunately, that's rather how John Browne (former head of oil giant BP)'s book comes across.
It's not that the central thread is unimportant. It used to be the case, certainly in the UK, that science, with its roots in philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge, was considered far loftier than engineering, growing out of mechanical work and the pursuit of profit. There is, perhaps, still a whiff of this around in some circles - so Browne's message that engineering has been crucial to human development and to our vast improvements in living standards is an important one.
However, the way that Make, Think, Imagine goes about expanding that article-sized content into a full book doesn't feel entirely effective. We get some interesting history, but it can sometime feel like going around a museum gallery - lots of information but often quite dull. To be fair, the book isn't all like this. A few parts shine, notably Browne's exploration of the history of our use of energy. With an oil background, he can't help come across a little defensive in places, but he can say proudly that he was in the (very small) vanguard of oil executives recognising that climate change is real, even if did make him something of a pariah amongst his peers. To some extent here and, for example, in a section covering artificial intelligence he takes on the negative impact of the products of engineering, but more often the book is a paean to the wonders of engineering achievement.
That being the case, a natural comparison is Bronowski's The Ascent of Man, but Make, Think, Imagine lacks Bronwski's humanity and writing style - and Bronowski's wider scope when examining human achievement. A part of the problem takes us back to the political biographies. It's hard to find one that doesn't (subtly or blatantly) underline the author's position as a 'great person' in history. Lord John Browne (the 'L' word is diplomatically largely missing from the book) can't help but do a bit of the same thing, whether it's casually dropping in his apartment in Venice, his former trusteeship of the British Museum or his calling in to see various places and engineering developments around the world in what feel more like royal visits than a writer investigating. Bronowski gives us a picture of human achievement from a position of humility - Browne from that of a leading oil man.
That all sounds a little negative - but I would say this book should be essential reading for politicians, who all too often have an arts background or in some cases anti-capitalist views. Browne does give us plenty of evidence for the dramatic benefits we've received from engineering. But it's more a matter of doing your homework than a highly engaging read.
It's not that the central thread is unimportant. It used to be the case, certainly in the UK, that science, with its roots in philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge, was considered far loftier than engineering, growing out of mechanical work and the pursuit of profit. There is, perhaps, still a whiff of this around in some circles - so Browne's message that engineering has been crucial to human development and to our vast improvements in living standards is an important one.
However, the way that Make, Think, Imagine goes about expanding that article-sized content into a full book doesn't feel entirely effective. We get some interesting history, but it can sometime feel like going around a museum gallery - lots of information but often quite dull. To be fair, the book isn't all like this. A few parts shine, notably Browne's exploration of the history of our use of energy. With an oil background, he can't help come across a little defensive in places, but he can say proudly that he was in the (very small) vanguard of oil executives recognising that climate change is real, even if did make him something of a pariah amongst his peers. To some extent here and, for example, in a section covering artificial intelligence he takes on the negative impact of the products of engineering, but more often the book is a paean to the wonders of engineering achievement.
That being the case, a natural comparison is Bronowski's The Ascent of Man, but Make, Think, Imagine lacks Bronwski's humanity and writing style - and Bronowski's wider scope when examining human achievement. A part of the problem takes us back to the political biographies. It's hard to find one that doesn't (subtly or blatantly) underline the author's position as a 'great person' in history. Lord John Browne (the 'L' word is diplomatically largely missing from the book) can't help but do a bit of the same thing, whether it's casually dropping in his apartment in Venice, his former trusteeship of the British Museum or his calling in to see various places and engineering developments around the world in what feel more like royal visits than a writer investigating. Bronowski gives us a picture of human achievement from a position of humility - Browne from that of a leading oil man.
That all sounds a little negative - but I would say this book should be essential reading for politicians, who all too often have an arts background or in some cases anti-capitalist views. Browne does give us plenty of evidence for the dramatic benefits we've received from engineering. But it's more a matter of doing your homework than a highly engaging read.
December 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I understand that some people didn't like the jumping around from subject to subject, but I felt that he maintained a consistent theme throughout the book. I'm sure I'm biased because I enjoy books like this, about engineering innovation, and I felt it was well written. I also enjoyed the many interesting interviews he conducted with people who were working on innovations.
May 30, 2019
Bottom of the barrel! You can't string a bunch of essays together and call it a book. This book claims to be about engineering the future. It's really just a vanity project for the author.
August 11, 2019
Gave up on this around about the halfway mark. Too great an emphasis on progress, as though this was the only thing humans were capable of, along with a good deal of hubris from the author himself. He brings to light a number of interesting developments in technology, but there's also a lot of filler here.
November 24, 2019
Summary: There are a few areas that are better than others, but overall, I am not a fan because I do not believe in this tools based way of looking at the world. That said, this is so well researched. Still, I agree with those that suggest this is a compilation or catalogue more than a statement that invigorates or inspires.
This book might better be entitled, inventions I think are important over the last hundred plus years. The book has many wonderful stories about inventions surrounding themes. For example, the speed of making things powered by machines. The Facilitation of thinking via computers, the increased ability to connect ,build, power things, defend boarders, live longer. If you wanted to get a bit of flavor for everything that is going on, you might love this book. He shows inventions that are currently and a few that are in the works.
If however you are closely keeping up with all the innovations (an innovation-phile) this book falls flat. It offers little that is new. I get it. Machines are great. But I think where I don't love this book is that there is a bigger opportunity to say something more profound.
I mean, in all of this is think. Not just 1 thing. But I give the author credit. It's just hard to write a book and please everyone.
-ML
This book might better be entitled, inventions I think are important over the last hundred plus years. The book has many wonderful stories about inventions surrounding themes. For example, the speed of making things powered by machines. The Facilitation of thinking via computers, the increased ability to connect ,build, power things, defend boarders, live longer. If you wanted to get a bit of flavor for everything that is going on, you might love this book. He shows inventions that are currently and a few that are in the works.
If however you are closely keeping up with all the innovations (an innovation-phile) this book falls flat. It offers little that is new. I get it. Machines are great. But I think where I don't love this book is that there is a bigger opportunity to say something more profound.
I mean, in all of this is think. Not just 1 thing. But I give the author credit. It's just hard to write a book and please everyone.
-ML
August 16, 2019
I have an avid interest in technology and I found this book extremely worthwhile and informative. Of particular value are the interviews which Browne has conducted with people whom are leading experts and extremely prominent people; access to whom could probably only be secured by someone of Browne’s stature. That he not only understands business, but has a degree in physics, and has worked and undertaken engineering research in the field really makes this a unique book whereby he is able to clearly explain technologies, as well more practical implications or potential issues that still need to be tackled, or that might arise further in the future. In particular I appreciated the general skepticism that exists around current timelines for the deployment of automated vehicles, as well as the doubts that exist towards the realization of General AI, rather than use of AI in narrowly defined areas.
Some issues I had with the book is how Browne often wants to mention about his material assets or allude to his wealth. This is only really a minor quibble for me as it is not overbearing. This is the world he inhabits.
More importantly, the book ends rather abruptly for my liking. I read the hard copy and thought there were still many pages remaining. These pages merely comprise acknowledgements and references. In my field of work we expect the analysis to lead to a discussion of the possible implications and steps that could be taken based on the analysis. This is perhaps a little too academic or “hard” for this type of book, but I think Browne has a good mind, has engaged with leading figures, and could have explored these things in greater depth. For instance, the need for public engagement, how to nurture sufficient numbers of engineers, how to bridge disciplines to tackle wicked engineering and societal problems (aging, climate change, populism etc). The book ends on a hopeful note, but this is not enough. Perhaps Browne made this decision deliberately and limited his scope. For me, it makes the book seem a bit incomplete.
Such points aside, this is a great book that, if you are looking to learn what is happening across various fields of technology, and understand the basic issues and challenges that exist, then this book fills that need.
Some issues I had with the book is how Browne often wants to mention about his material assets or allude to his wealth. This is only really a minor quibble for me as it is not overbearing. This is the world he inhabits.
More importantly, the book ends rather abruptly for my liking. I read the hard copy and thought there were still many pages remaining. These pages merely comprise acknowledgements and references. In my field of work we expect the analysis to lead to a discussion of the possible implications and steps that could be taken based on the analysis. This is perhaps a little too academic or “hard” for this type of book, but I think Browne has a good mind, has engaged with leading figures, and could have explored these things in greater depth. For instance, the need for public engagement, how to nurture sufficient numbers of engineers, how to bridge disciplines to tackle wicked engineering and societal problems (aging, climate change, populism etc). The book ends on a hopeful note, but this is not enough. Perhaps Browne made this decision deliberately and limited his scope. For me, it makes the book seem a bit incomplete.
Such points aside, this is a great book that, if you are looking to learn what is happening across various fields of technology, and understand the basic issues and challenges that exist, then this book fills that need.
January 15, 2020
A poor book that fails to say anything interesting. I gave the first three chapters a try and then gave up. First, he tries to claim anything interesting is engineering, without using logic to make the case. Science? Nah. Coding? Nah. To be clear, coding is a craft, a blend of engineering and art.
Second, paragraph length. Oy vey. Very consistently long, dense paragraphs don't hide that he has nothing to say other than an occasional musing.
Third, without the other two, the minor errors in the history of technology wouldn't be bad, but given the others there are far better books to read about this arena. Heck, the recent "The Code" is only one example of a book that far better tells about how technology changed society.
Second, paragraph length. Oy vey. Very consistently long, dense paragraphs don't hide that he has nothing to say other than an occasional musing.
Third, without the other two, the minor errors in the history of technology wouldn't be bad, but given the others there are far better books to read about this arena. Heck, the recent "The Code" is only one example of a book that far better tells about how technology changed society.
November 10, 2020
I think I got about a third through this book before I lost interest, I found that it was too disjointed, it reads like a series of essays (which it is) and for the most part didn't have enough pull to keep me going.
October 26, 2019
It was good to read this book. However, at times. You are left with the feeling that you are actually reading through “compiled” Information which you could find at Wikipedia otherwise.
June 15, 2021
A marvelous account of what was, what is and what's to come, delivered with joy & great attention to detail.
March 30, 2022
Descriptive and allows one to travel to alpha state. Intelligent author & even more intelligent choice of words
May 8, 2024
Good if you have a intrest in knowing basic stuff in machines and engineering of different kind of things.
It does not have anything mind bending but it's good.
It does not have anything mind bending but it's good.
February 1, 2022
Make you proud to be an engineer ;)
Almost better for people who aren't. The book gives an overview of the history and current state of engineering, as well as where the future is going.
Will everyone be unemployed?
Will self-checkout machines be the death of the uneducated?
Will be exploring space, have the terminator take over the world, or achieve infinite youth?
It is a very tool-technology way to look at the world, clearly written by an engineer.
Engineers tend to look at the world differently, and if you find yourself disliking Lord Browne's approach to the world, that is most likely why.
Only critizim is that the book is a bit jumpy. Very minor.
"It's a good book 4 engineers" - Will the Magnificent
4.5/5 Great book
Almost better for people who aren't. The book gives an overview of the history and current state of engineering, as well as where the future is going.
Will everyone be unemployed?
Will self-checkout machines be the death of the uneducated?
Will be exploring space, have the terminator take over the world, or achieve infinite youth?
It is a very tool-technology way to look at the world, clearly written by an engineer.
Engineers tend to look at the world differently, and if you find yourself disliking Lord Browne's approach to the world, that is most likely why.
Only critizim is that the book is a bit jumpy. Very minor.
"It's a good book 4 engineers" - Will the Magnificent
4.5/5 Great book
September 9, 2019
Interesting stuff
I’ve always been a believer that the best way to improve the world is to make things that people want and need. Innovation will solve our problems. It may create some new ones, but it will solve them too. All the politicians and philosophers in the world won’t solve problems like global warming. It will take scientist, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators. Don’t fall into the trap of government’s one size fits all solutions. Create! Use trial and error! Improve incrementally or through disruptive change. Don’t depend on the talkers!
I’ve always been a believer that the best way to improve the world is to make things that people want and need. Innovation will solve our problems. It may create some new ones, but it will solve them too. All the politicians and philosophers in the world won’t solve problems like global warming. It will take scientist, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators. Don’t fall into the trap of government’s one size fits all solutions. Create! Use trial and error! Improve incrementally or through disruptive change. Don’t depend on the talkers!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews