Eureka! is a compilation of 40 stories of different inventions (Nobel Peace Prize, Slinky, Curious George) that have become fantastically huge. Marlene Wagman-Geller starts by talking about how Eureka means “I have found it” and represents the moment when a light bulb goes off and idea is found. As this book is about aha moments it does not include phenomena such as Craigslist which grew into what it is rather than being created as is.
The different stories start in the 1770s with the creation of the song Amazing Grace. It covers the founding of the chiropractic form of medicine, Alcoholics Anonymous, Netflix and Barbie. Each of these stories in their own right are interesting. I found some of the commonalities even more interesting such as that many of the people were out of their home country when they had their Eureka moment. It also amazed me how many people (who became rich and important) knew or were friends with others who were rich and important. Lastly, it seemed as though many of these people were so involved and passionate about their creation/idea that they neglected personal relationships or suffered in that area.
I also found the facts that the author included at the end of each short chapter interesting. Who knew that “if every Barbie doll ever manufactured were laid end to end, they would circle the earth three and a half times?” Slinkys would circle the world 126 times! Or that Dr. Seuss books have sold more than 500 million copies.
This was a great book filled with short chapters of information about moments of brilliance. It made it seem as though these moments are attainable to anyone…if you actually try to make it happen.
23/08/2010 at 12:04 pm Permalink
This sounds pretty interesting. How’d you come across it?
23/08/2010 at 3:24 pm Permalink
I go through the books that people sell to Chris to see if there are any look interesting…and this was one of them.