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The Things We Make

The Unknown History of Invention from Cathedrals to Soda Cans

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The Things We Make

By: Bill Hammack
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
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About this listen

Discover the secret method used to build the world . . .

For millennia, humans have used one simple method to solve problems. Whether it's planting crops, building skyscrapers, developing photographs, or designing the first microchip, all creators follow the same steps to engineer progress. But this powerful method, the "engineering method", is an all but hidden process that few of us have heard of—let alone understand—but that influences every aspect of our lives.

Bill Hammack, a Carl Sagan Award-winning professor of engineering and viral "The Engineer Guy" on YouTube, has a lifelong passion for the things we make, and how we make them. Now, for the first time, he reveals the invisible method behind every invention and takes us on a whirlwind tour of how humans built the world we know today. From the grand stone arches of medieval cathedrals to the mundane modern soda can, Hammack explains the golden rule of thumb that underlies every new building technique, every technological advancement, and every creative solution that leads us one step closer to a better, more functional world. Spanning centuries and cultures, Hammack offers a fascinating perspective on how humans engineer solutions in a world full of problems.

©2023 Bill Hammack (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Engineering History & Philosophy Philosophy Science Technology
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There are many preconceived notions in this book. Although there is much interesting content, it was often delivered with bias on the perceived distinction between science and engineering. There is also a repetitive discussion on inequity throughout that lacks a neutral constructive position. The generalised discussion on gender roles throughout was offensive. In particular the reference to cleaning and cooking as it was discussed through a biased lens that is not an indicator of all circumstances. This makes the reader who identifies in contrast to these roles feel discriminated against.

Biased and at times incorrect

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