The Power of Wisdom

Author: (USA) John Lienhard / Liu Jing et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: This book describes the impact of modern science and technology on culture and society, involving the work and fascinating stories of many inventors, mathematicians, and engineers. From a humanistic perspective, it examines the history of science and technology, using the stories of inventors, engineers, and objects like canoes, DC-3s, diodes, and sewing machines to highlight the book's theme. Every day, millions of Americans turn on the radio to listen to Professor Lienhard's program "The Power of Wisdom." This book is based on the broadcast scripts of Professor Lienhard's radio series "The Power of Wisdom." In this book, Professor Lienhard reorganizes his reflections on science, culture, human invention, and technological development, showcasing the ever-changing nature of technology: it is like a mirror, a danger, or a kind of arrogant heroism. The book is filled with profound insights derived from meticulous observations. The stories of inventors, mathematicians, engineers, and objects like canoes, DC-3s, the Hoover Dam, diodes, and sewing machines underscore the book's theme. Lienhard examines the history of science and technology from a humanistic perspective, discussing both the past and the present, dynamically capturing how science and technology have shaped human history. At the same time, he shows that social environments and human needs have always determined the direction of technological innovation. This book is more like a human autobiography than a history, as everything about us is already written into the machines we have created.