How We Got to Now

Overview
How We Got To Now, hosted by Steven Johnson, is a captivating six-part documentary that explores the fascinating origins of groundbreaking ideas shaping contemporary life. It highlights the often-overlooked innovators who brought these concepts to fruition while delving into the surprising and sometimes strange ramifications of their inventions. Each episode uncovers how these advancements have intertwined with society, revealing a complex tapestry of creativity and consequence that has transformed the way we live today.
Episodes
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2

Time
In an environment devoid of natural light, submarines revolutionize the concept of a workday. A railroad clerk, exasperated by the chaos of numerous l...
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3

Glass
The creation of the mirror sparks the Renaissance, transforming art and perception. Glass lenses open up new realms of exploration, uncovering intrica...
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4
Light
This episode explores the groundbreaking advancements in illumination, highlighting Thomas Edison’s invention of the electric light bulb that transf...
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5

Cold
The episode explores the booming ice delivery industry and highlights Clarence Birdseye, the pioneering figure behind frozen foods, detailing his inno...
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6

Sound
In this episode titled "Sound," we explore ancient remnants from 30,000 years ago that reveal humanity's early longing to capture sound within caves. ...