Knowing What We Know: The Transmission of Knowledge: from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Magic

In his book "Knowing What We Know," Simon Winchester explores how humans acquire, retain, and pass on information and data, and how technology continues to change our lives and minds. He examines how humans have attained, stored, and disseminated knowledge, including education, journalism, encyclopedia creation, museum curation, photography, and broadcasting. Winchester also questions what rational humans are becoming and what good is all this knowledge if it leads to a lack of thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Knowledge is a fascinating and ever-evolving concept that has played a crucial role in human history and continues to shape our world today. From the creation of the first encyclopedia to the widespread use of the internet, technology has revolutionized the way we acquire, retain, and share information. In his book "Knowing What We Know," Simon Winchester explores the intricate relationship between humans and knowledge, examining how we have attained, stored, and disseminated knowledge throughout different disciplines and eras.

One of the key themes of Winchester's book is the impact of technology on our ability to think and learn. With the vast amount of information available at our fingertips, it is easy to become overwhelmed and feel like we know everything. However, Winchester argues that this abundance of knowledge can actually hinder our ability to think critically and creatively. He suggests that as we rely more on technology to answer our questions, we may lose the ability to think for ourselves and come up with original solutions.

Winchester also delves into the different ways in which knowledge is disseminated and shared. He explores the role of education, journalism, encyclopedia creation, museum curation, photography, and broadcasting in the spread of knowledge. He discusses the impact of these disciplines on society and culture, and how they have shaped our understanding of the world.

One of the most interesting aspects of Winchester's book is his exploration of the human mind and learning. He examines how humans acquire knowledge, how we store it in our brains, and how we retrieve it when we need it. He also looks at the different ways in which knowledge can be retained and remembered, including mnemonics, visual aids, and storytelling.

Winchester's book is filled with strange and fascinating details about the history of knowledge and the human mind. From the cuneiform writings of Babylon to the machine-made genius of artificial intelligence, he provides a comprehensive overview of the different ways in which knowledge has been acquired and shared throughout history.

Overall, "Knowing What We Know" is a thought-provoking and informative book that provides a deep dive into the world of knowledge and the human mind. It challenges us to think critically about the role of technology in our lives and encourages us to explore the different ways in which we can acquire, retain, and share knowledge. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a curious reader, this book is sure to provide you with a wealth of insights and ideas.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008484385