The human species is recognized for its intelligence and creativity, but where do these stand-out smarts come from? Our celebrated brains play a role, but it turns out something else altogether is going on. This fascinating natural history of modern humankind lays out a compelling case for how nature plays an outsized yet largely unsung role in human progress and innovation. From the wildly famous inventor who traveled with a dismembered ear in his suitcase, to why popular music makes us want to dance, Stier's exploration of how various aspects of technology and culture came to be will astonish readers, one revelation after another. At once a paradigm-shaking analysis of humanity's technological history, and a guide map to future human prosperity, Bioinspired will sweep you up and, ultimately, deposit you somewhere different, before an entirely new horizon.