The Invention of Air by Steven Johnson

Greetings:

After seeing Steven Johnson do an interview with Stephen Cobert I decided I had to read his book, The Invention of Air - A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and The Birth of America. I put my name on the list at the Library for the book and it took two months to get it! The good news is it came just in time for me to take on my trip to Florida. I was thrilled to have a vacation book to take with me.

Just a note here, this isn't exactly a light read for vacation. I am not suggesting anyone take this to the beach with them - however it is a great read and worth checking out.

The book is the story of Joseph Pristley - a chemist, theologian and political theorist. He was also friends with some of the great thinkers of the time, Ben Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

The book in a word is dense! It is well researched, extremely detailed and provides a look at the times through the lens of the life of Joseph Pristley.

According to the author Pristley was a "compulsive sharer." He detailed all his research and freely shared it. What this meant to Pristley is that he didn't profit from his own inventions and discoveries but make it possible for others to benefit. One of his inventions, soda water, made millions for others. "A certain Johann Schweppes cashed in on the concept - his namesake still enlivens gin-and -tonics to this day."

The idea of proprietary secret, of withholding information for personal gain, was unimaginable to Pristley. One of the concepts that Johnson emphasises in the book is the concept of networking. Ideas that are shared tend to become better ideas for having been shared. Circulating ideas helps to expand them. The modern day lesson here is that concepts such as "MasterMinding" or simply spending time with others sharing ideas is a great way to expand the idea and create even greater ideas.

Another lifelong habit of Pristley that he contributed to his success was writing everything down. "In the final pages of his memoirs, he mentions a lifelong habit of writing down "as soon as possible, every thing I wish not to forget." (p. 74) I have always encouraged keeping an idea folder. I also carry a notebook with me and write down ideas as they come to me. Something I learned a long time ago is that even if the idea is amazing, I won't remember it if I don't write it down. I have had some great ideas for my ezine, 365 Days of Coaching, that have never been written because I failed to write the idea down. If you want to increase your creativity and profit write your ideas down!

The author points out that one of the reasons Pristley was able to create and research as much as he did was attributed to one thing - Leisure Time. He was able to focus on his research because he had benefactors that supported him throughout his life. He was able to focus on being creative. The lesson here is leisure time is important. For those of us that don't have benefactors, we might need to be more creative in carving out leisure time. Even just 15 minutes a day of just time to think will help to increase your creativity.

Oh if you are wondering - did Pristley invent air - no. Although there was a time when people were not aware of air, what Pristley discovered was the element of air called Oxygen.

Do take the time to read the book. It is highly enlightening with many ideas that can be applied today.

Rachelle