Reading Reflection No. 2

The book I read for my reading refection number 2 is Makers: The New Industrial Revolution by Chris Anderson.

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

The general theme of this book was to illustrate the rise of a new era in American history. Much like the famous Industrial Revolution that occurred from about 1760 to 1840, a this book describes the current era we are living as the New Industrial Revolution. With the rise of better, more innovative, and efficient forms of technology, things that ever otherwise impossible/improbable are becoming a possibility. From 3-D printing, cloud storage, integrated data systems, and so much more has allowed people to expand as a species. This turbulent time is deemed the New Industrial Revolution

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

This book connected with me because as an aspiring entrepreneur and engineer, I want to make a difference in this time period. The material taught to me in ENT3003 has given me insight on the traits I must posses to be a successful entrepreneur and the way I must look at problems in the mindset of an entrepreneur. Its safe to say that the most famous entrepreneurs of recent times have all somehow been affiliated with technology. The ability to d things that before would be too risky or expensive, has prompted many entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas. This class is helping me understand how I should also take action as an entrepreneur. 

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

The exercise I would design would be to compare and contrast both Industrial Revolutions, form old to new. This will allow students to understand why the Industrial Revolution of the past was so turbulent and successful and how it impacted the world of the past and the future. Similarly, students should then study this New Industrial Revolution and how it has impacted the past, present, and the future. Steven Hawking noted that the next 100 years will be the most important time in human history. Whether that is for better or worse, this next century will be important

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

What surprised me the most about this book was how Anderson so perfectly parallels both previous Industrial Revolutions with what he refers to as the Third or New Industrial Revolution. He details exactly what contributed to this era and how the world was changed because of it. This was different form what I expected because I never thought of the age I live in as so important. Since I grew up with this technology I never realized how impactful and revolutionary this technology has been from the pasty. Now that I am older and becoming aware of the new technologies being introduced, I realize that I should take it upon myself to take advantage of this era.