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Guns, Germs, and Steel

Guns, Germs, and Steel

By Jared Diamond

Chapter 13: Necessity's Mother

We have often heard that "necessity is the mother of invention". But many things go unappreciated simply because its first model isn't very good. Take, for instance, the gas engine. It was made when horses were still in full swing and the engine was unnecessary. In fact, many objects come from a series of previous inventions that have gradually been improved. We must also get society to adopt our invention, by making it more effective or giving it social prestige. Also, the receptiveness of a society is very important. If the technology is unnecessary, a society will probably be less receptive.