Evolution of design of machines

Abstract

What is necessary for a culture to produce new machines and technology? A recent book claimed one should study the thinking of Leonardo da Vinci to find the seven principles of genius and creativity. The premise of this and similar self-help books is that the secret of creativity is in the individual. Yet historical evidence convincingly shows that a set of societal conditions must be met to create and produce a new technology and that such conditions existed in Leonardo's time. Some of these conditions include the following: (i) The society must have a tradition of building machines; (ii) there must exist a cadre of artisans and craftspeople with technical skills; (iii) there must exist a supply of capital to invest in new technology; (iv) there must exist in the society a spirit of progress, that humankind is meant to improve and change its environment; (v) finally there must exist individuals with a vision and motivation to change the status quo.