How play has lead to the world's great innovations

From Afternoons, 3:07 pm on 27 February 2017
Wonderland by Steven Johnson

Wonderland by Steven Johnson Photo: supplied

Everything you need to know about what drives history can be told in the story of  a Doritos corn chip.

Science and culture writer Steven Johnson connects sweeping changes in history, from programmable computers to the American Revolution, to the quest for a little spice in our lives and a little fun.

He argues that behind so many of the world's greatest innovations and ideas is the power of play and novelty, like the Doritos spicy corn chip.   His new book is called Wonderland: How play made the world Modern.