

Second, our minds are able to work differently when we’re playing. We may stumble upon important discoveries or unique creations because of mere curiosity or happenstance. This encourages us to explore and seek out new experiences. Whenever we encounter something new, our brain releases a chemical that makes us feel good. The brain loves surprises, which means it’s predisposed to engineering discoveries through play. The conclusion of this anecdote is that fun and play are far more important than one might think. They made dolls that could move on their own, instruments that played themselves and even a mechanical peacock. These ideas laid the groundwork for innovations such as steam engines or jet engines, which would be built hundreds of years later.Īlthough their ideas were useful, the Banu Musa brothers began by just messing around and trying to entertain others with frivolous trinkets. They presented their machines that they built and explained the principles behind them. The Banu Musa brothers were Islamic scholars in the ninth century who wrote a book on mechanics and hydraulics, which was groundbreaking at the time. Many great innovations have been inspired by play. When we think about innovation and progress in human history, it seems like there must have been some kind of need for something to happen.

Big Idea #1: Humans’ hardwired desire for play has been an underappreciated driver of progress. Finally, you’ll discover how producing a single Dorito used to be a year-long mission. Second, you’ll find out why sea snails drove early seafarers into the undiscovered Atlantic Ocean. First, you’ll learn how a flute laid the foundations for future computers. This article will discuss three key points. Just as war and conquest have affected human history, our childlike indulgence in games, bright clothing and delicious tastes has also transported us to new horizons. However, there are other images that may not be as common but have been just as important to human advancement-people having fun. When you open a book in history class, you’re likely to see some serious and dour faces: philosophers debating democracy or Newton pondering the properties of gravity.
