The book How to Invent Everything by Ryan North is a comprehensive, illustrated manual designed to guide someone—especially a stranded time traveler—through rebuilding a technological civilization from scratch. It covers all the essential science, engineering, mathematics, art, music, philosophy, and practical knowledge needed to invent modern conveniences and technologies starting from first principles
. Key features of the book include:
- Step-by-step explanations on how to recreate fundamental technologies and inventions throughout history.
- Appendices with technology trees, periodic tables, useful chemicals, trigonometry tables, universal constants, and more.
- Practical advice on how to make tools, understand natural phenomena, and develop arts and music.
- A humorous and educational tone that makes complex subjects accessible and engaging.
- Insights into how humanity historically developed technology and how one might do it more efficiently or differently
The book is intended both as a survival guide for hypothetical time travelers and as an educational resource for anyone curious about the inner workings of civilization’s technological foundations
. In summary, to "invent everything," you would:
- Learn the fundamental scientific principles and engineering concepts.
- Follow a structured path from simple tools and techniques to advanced technologies.
- Use the detailed knowledge and instructions provided to recreate key inventions.
- Apply logical problem-solving and experimentation as humanity did historically, but with the advantage of a comprehensive guide.
How to Invent Everything is available for purchase and also has a web presence, making it accessible for those interested in this ambitious endeavor
. This approach offers a practical and entertaining roadmap for anyone wanting to understand or replicate the development of human technology from the ground up.
