As If By Design

This book explores the origins of various innovations, revealing how they often arise from context, chance, and trial-and-error rather than genius. As If By Design offers fresh insights.

Have you ever been curious about the origins of everyday innovations like the Heimlich maneuver or the moonwalk? In As If By Design, Edward A. Wasserman delves into the fascinating world of behavioral creativity, challenging the notion that these breakthroughs are the result of moments of genius. Instead, he presents a compelling argument that innovations are often the product of a combination of historical context, circumstantial influences, and sheer coincidence.

Through real-life stories and insights from behavioral psychology, As If By Design reveals how seemingly ingenious ideas emerge from a complex interplay of factors. Wasserman explores various behavioral innovations, such as the high five and the Iowa caucus, demonstrating that their development is often less about foresight and more about adapting to specific situations. This book sheds light on the myth of the 'eureka moment', suggesting that creativity is more a matter of trial and error than sudden inspiration.

By focusing on the creative process rather than the final product, As If By Design elevates the understanding of human behavior and innovation. Wasserman's exploration uncovers a web of causation that emphasizes the importance of context, consequence, and coincidence in shaping the innovations that define our lives. This thought-provoking read invites us to reconsider how we view creativity and the many factors that contribute to the inventions we often take for granted.