The Little Book of Big Ideas : 150 Concepts and Breakthroughs that Transformed History

An exploration of some of the most important and enduring ideas in human history—from religion, science, philosophy, medicine, psychology, politics, economics and art—each presented in brief, accessible form. "Big" ideas are those concepts and theories that have radically transformed our understanding of the world we live in, our place in that world and the ways we have shaped the past and will shape the future. Topics covered range widely and include Creation Mythology, Existentialism, The Elements, Relativity, Space Travel, Geometry, Ethics, Behaviourism, Genetics, Warfare, The Nation State, Anarchism, Capitalism, Classical Art and Architecture, The Renaissance—and much more. 

Daniel Smith is a non-fiction author and editor who has written across a range of subjects, including politics, economics and social history. He is the author of the How to Think Like . . . series, which has been published in 20 languages and sold over 413,000 copies worldwide.