Steven Johnson

Steven Johnson is an American author who has written several best-selling books that explore the intersections of history, science, and technology. His books include Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software, which examines the principles of complex adaptive systems; The Ghost Map: The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic—and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World, which chronicles the 1854 cholera epidemic in London; Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation, which looks at the processes of creativity and innovation; How We Got To Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World, which traces how small discoveries created major innovations; and Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World, which explores the power of play.

Johnson has a degree in Semiotics from Brown University and a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science from Columbia University. He also has written two novels, The Invention of Air and The Historical Illusionist, and a collection of essays, Everything Bad is Good for You.

His books explore the origins of modern science, culture, and technology. In Emergence, Johnson examines how complex interactions between simple rules create complex and unpredictable system structures, such as ant colonies and stock markets. The Ghost Map delves into the history and science of the 1854 cholera epidemic in London and how analyzing the epidemic changed the perception of science and cities. Where Good Ideas Come From draws on a wide range of studies and stories to illustrate the intricate and surprising ways that ideas emerge. How We Got To Now covers six major innovations that changed the course of history, from air conditioning to the telephone. Wonderland explores the power of play to shape minds and cultures.

Johnson is also the founder and editor of the popular online magazine FEED, which sought to cover the nexus of digital media and culture. He currently serves as a contributing editor to Wired Magazine and writes regularly for The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and The New Yorker.

In addition to his books, Johnson has also created a variety of projects that explore the intersection of science, technology, and culture. These include the ABC News Web site, "dot.con," which focuses on Internet culture, and a collaboration with the game designer Jane McGonigal on the Alternate Reality Game, "Evoke," which explores the culture and technology of sustainable development. He also teaches and runs innovation retreats, called Platypus Labs, which use design games and challenge exercises to foster creativity and innovation.

Steven Johnson's work has been praised for its ability to illuminate the connection between science, technology, and culture in an accessible and engaging way. He is a unique voice and an insightful commentator on the many aspects of modern life.