The Adjacent Possible: A Quick Introduction

This is very much a quick introduction, so there is plenty of nuance, additional examples, and further implications of this concept that you can explore, and I highly suggest you do so.

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[___Truth___]

Steven johnson didn't come up with the Concept it was originally thought by Stuart Kauffman as an explanation thats in tandem with his views of Emergence and Biology, Steven Johnson hasn't even credited Stuart Kauffman as I understand it...

[SuburbanBehemoth]

Just finished reading Steven Johnson's book and came across your video while Googling 'adjacent possible'. Thank you for visualizing this concept for me.

[ABetterComputer]

I didn't even touch on this in the video, but in the book this idea was used to explain why there are so many instances in history of "simultaneous invention" when several people all create the same new thing at basically the same time, even though none of them knew anyone else was working on the same invention.

[BrianMarcWhittaker]

Very good video explanation. I first heard about it in Cal Newport's book "So Good They Can't Ignore You". I can see how that helps with story and art iterations.

[curtisgmchale]

I like the variety in content and it’s been a while since I read that book, need to add it to my list again. You will probably also enjoy The Geography of Genius if you liked this book.

[emilytamayomaher]

This is awesome! I first heard Steven Kotler refer to the "adjacent possible" when he was talking about his book, but I didn't know what he was referring to. Now I think I'll read both books. I really like your vids!

[flyingguitarist]

iPad was conceptualized first before the iPhone