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Engines of Creation

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If you were to ask the world's greatest authorities on modern technology to select the five most influential books written thus far on that subject, Engines of Creation would probably be on most (if not all) lists. In it, Drexler analyzes "the coming era of nanotechnology." Obviously, that era has (since 1986) arrived. Nonetheless, Drexler's observations remain both valid and instructive. The book is organized as Part One: The Foundations of Foresight, Part Two: Profiles of the Possible, and Part Three: Dangers and Hopes. In certain respects, Engines of Creation is even more valuable today than it was when first published. It should be required reading for undergraduate and graduate students (especially those at work on a degree in engineering, the natural sciences, mathematics, or business) as well as for executives in organizations which hope to survive the "age of nanotechnology." Think of your organization as a vehicle. Viewed as such, it obviously needs an engine, fuel, a transmission, a brake, an accelerator, etc. Speed is only one component of the formula for success. Durability is another. For your organization to reach its destination, it must also have a map. Engines of Creation is about technology, of course, and it is also about innovation in an age when speed is often the difference between success and failure. But Drexler also provides the equivalent of a map to guide his reader. Misdirected speed can demolish an entire organization as well as a single vehicle....and those within it. Years from now, Engines of Creation will still be read and admired. Why? Because it will still be relevant.

"Engines of Creation" is one the most thoroughly enjoyable books I have ever read. It is well constructed and well thought out, expanding on every topic from memes to early Internet to the future application of molecular manufacturing. This book really jumped onto the scene when it was first published because of the astounding proposals made. But rather than being just another science fiction book, I think it well grounded in sound engineering and physical law. As of yet, no one has disproved it, and Mr. Drexler is certainly well-qualified to make the assertions he does. I would recommend this book as a excellent primer to anyone seeking to learn the basics of molecular nanotechnology.

Years ago, my friends and I realized that all the sciences were not really seperate fields, but linked by matter itself and the emerging laws of physics. Richard Feynman in the late '50s voiced the foundation of what Drexler further grew into a tour de force he coined 'nanotechnology'. When Drexler's 'Engines of Creation' appeared, I realized instantly that this book was the ignition point for a technological shift of such scope, that the majority of the population doesn't quite yet realize the incredible double-edged potential. The physics are there, the models are there, the amazing molecular complexity and abundance of life itself illustrates the possibilities; we only lack the tools; however, a simple search on the Net will show that they'll probably be here more quickly that we anticipate. Look at the estimates that it would take 20 years to decode DNA; recent breakthoughs will allow it to be complete by 2002. A must read for someone who wants to get their feet wet and ride the approaching wave.

Read most of this book on a week's vacation and I loved every bit of it. Gives great examples of the power of nanotechnology even though it was written in the 80's. Once you get through the first couple of chapters, which are mostly overview of how the machines could be produced and defining terms, the author begins to make light of the tremendous possibilities that nanotechnology will bring to the world. Mostly deals with living in space, medicine, and resources. Last couple of chapters dealt with mainly of the consequences of this new technology and its social implications. Loved it all the way through and an exellent book for both beginners of the subject or someone that just likes to read about an interesting proposal for the future.

It's important to judge this book in context. It was written more than fifteen years ago and that the ideas are still provocative fifteen years on is important. That they are relevant is testament to Drexler's predictive powers (When in 1987 he evangelises a hypertext based system of leaping between fragments of information stored on a network - well, sound familiar?). Progress in the intervening years sees us with tangible advances in the fields of nanocomputing, bionanotechnology and nanomedicine. Scientific criticism of this book often focuses on Drexler's concept of an assembler (a molecular machine for building nanoscale objects). The concept is attacked either for dissimilarities with existing biological systems or because the critics claim molecular manufacturing simply can't be done. Significantly, Dr. Drexler continues to defend his original thesis in recent writings. `Engines of Creation' is bold, provocative and at times frightening. It deserves its accolades.

Some six years have passed since my first reading of "Engine of Creation" and I have yearned ever since to get there, the nanotech future, as fast as possible. I can only imagine, a century ago, people scoffing at Jules Verne's "fantasies" of man traveling to the moon or voyaging miles under water. One would like to think that everything that we have accomplished in recent times would be sufficient reason never to focus on the "if" but on the "how". Jules Verne's vision came about within a century, the Greeks' vision that man could fly took almost two milennia. Mr. Drexler's full vision may come about within decades. The precepts of the book may be unsettling to some, not on the technological aspect though but on the social one. What do you do when you come across a technology that promises to change 99% of your environment? Different people will react differently. Some will be scared, some will disregard it as mere fiction and others yet will vehemently attack it. This is the type of controversy that this book has and will continue to generate. Remember however, in the words of a wise man named Machiavelli, that "The innovator makes ennemies of all those who prospered under the old order , and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new".

A revolutionary text - the most important book to read and understand for anyone concerned with how technology will advance in the next 10-50 years. This is the clearest exposition of the possibility for the direct manipulation of matter at the atomic level available for the lay reader. Dr. Drexler introduces the concept of molecular nanotechnology and the tremendous impact of its promised capabilities on future generations. He begins by describing the physical reasoning behind the concept as introduced in a lecture given by (the late) Professor Richard Feynman titled, "There's More Room at the Bottom". Proceeding from the principle that physics does not prohibit the possiblity of directly manipulating atoms to build macroscopic objects, Drexler offers the molecular machines of living organisms as a proof of principle. Chapters are well organized and logically build on one another to present ever more complex and startling possibilities for engineering the world around us to suit specific needs without waste, at low cost and with positive environmental impact. Topics such as human longevity, space exploration, revolutions in materials, advanced cellular repair robots, supercomputers and artificial intelligence which surpasses human capabilities are all clearly described with more than plausible explanations of the process whereby they could be realized. Social issues and the impact on society and individuals are also discussed, though possibly naive in their projections. To learn more, contact the Foresight Institute at http://www.foresight.org.

I've looked at some of the reviews that this book has. I think the people who gave the book bad reviews were in a state of future shock. I must say unlike Sci-Fi, this is based in concrete science. just today on the news, scientists have made DNA motors. and sometime back in the news I heard about progress made in chemically producing a nanotransistor. This auther KNOWS what he's talking about. The way he shows you what's to come is in simple non-technical english, nor is it written like a Sci-Fi thriller as some people may claim. Signs of nanotechnology are gradually showing up (like it or not) they will bring a host of new possibilities.

Even though this book is written back in 1985, the way things are shaping out to be are exactly like the author said. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who wants a practical insight into the future of engineering.

Engines of Creation is an absolute MUST READ for anyone interested in Molecular Nanotechnology, or science in general.

It has caused me several epiphanies, and I'll never see the world the same again. For me, it has tied together many scientific concepts, and lead to a world view that I would otherwise never have grown into. I consider it the most awe inspiring book I've ever read, bar none.

It's sometimes a little technical, but don't let that bother you. If you want to, you can skip over the heavy parts without losing the main concepts, and the concepts explored are more than worth it!

Consider this: once you understand that Nanotech is real, and ALREADY in it's infancy, you can understand that immortality may be within our reach. That alone is worth reading 'Engines of Creation'!

Best of luck to you, and maybe we'll meet in the awesome future we create! 8^)

This book is the preliminary book for the nanotech newbie. I recommend this book to anyone who is just beginning to become aware of nanotechnology and all of it's potential applications.(it is still 'the book' to read even if you do understand your way around nano) It is easy to read and understand, clear and concise, covering a multitude of issues. This is the book that is typically cited as the book that has turned people on to nanotechnology. If you don't read this book, and you are curious about nanotech, it would be like trying to read any book, without knowing your abc's first. Don't forget to also check out Drexler's book Nanosystems, the more advanced and technical book. Have a Nanoriffic day!