In 'Cool Tools,' Kevin Kelly unveils a curated collection of innovative gadgets, software, and resources that enhance creativity and productivity. Each tool is presented with personal anecdotes, insights, and practical applications, making them irresistible to tech enthusiasts and creative minds alike. The book not only showcases the tools themselves but also reveals the philosophy behind choosing the right tools for personal empowerment. Readers are invited to explore how to harness these tools to elevate their daily tasks and ignite their passions. Dive into a world where technology meets creativity, and discover the secrets to transforming your life with the right tools.
By Kevin Kelly
Published: 2013
""The best tools are those that save us time and enhance our creativity, helping us unlock our potential to shape the world around us.""
A selection of the best tools available for individuals and small groups. Tools include hand tools, maps, how-to books, vehicles, software, specialized devices, gizmos, websites -- and anything useful.
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Kevin Kelly is a renowned author, speaker, and futurist, best known for his influential books on technology and society, including 'What Technology Wants', 'The Inevitable', and 'Cool Tools'. As the founding executive editor of Wired magazine, he has been at the forefront of documenting the digital age and its implications for humanity. Kelly's writing style combines insightful analysis with engaging storytelling, exploring the intersection of technology and culture. His work often reflects a curiosity about the future and a belief in the empowering potential of technology.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
John Doerr is an American venture capitalist and chairman of Kleiner Perkins, one of the most prominent venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. Doerr has backed some of the biggest names in tech, including Google, Amazon, and Netscape, and has played a crucial role in the rise of the internet economy. He is also the author of Measure What Matters, which popularized the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a method for goal-setting in organizations. Doerr is a passionate advocate for addressing climate change and has invested in clean energy startups to help combat global warming. His contributions to tech and sustainability have made him a leading figure in venture capital.
View CollectionGary Vaynerchuk, also known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and social media personality. He initially gained prominence through his family’s wine business, turning it into a digital juggernaut with his online content and wine reviews. Gary is now the CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service digital agency, and has authored multiple bestsellers, including Crush It! and Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook. He is known for his blunt, motivational style and advice on business, marketing, and personal branding. Gary continues to inspire millions with his focus on hustle, entrepreneurship, and leveraging digital platforms for success.
View CollectionMatt Mullenweg is an influential American entrepreneur and web developer, best known for co-founding WordPress, the open-source software that powers over 40% of the web. Born in 1984 in Houston, Texas, Mullenweg's work has revolutionized digital publishing and democratized web content creation. As the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, he has expanded the platform's reach and capabilities, fostering a vibrant community of developers and users. Mullenweg is also an advocate for open-source software and has contributed significantly to its proliferation and adoption. His impact on digital literature and publishing is profound, enabling countless individuals and organizations to share their voices online.
View CollectionRichard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which operates in sectors ranging from airlines to space travel. Branson’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1970s with Virgin Records, and he has since built one of the most recognized brands in the world. Known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks, Branson has pursued innovative ventures like Virgin Galactic, aiming to pioneer commercial space tourism. He is also a philanthropist, focusing on environmental sustainability and global health issues. Branson's bold and unconventional approach to business has made him a global icon of entrepreneurship.
View CollectionRyan Hoover is the founder of Product Hunt, a popular platform where users discover and share new tech products, apps, and tools. Hoover started Product Hunt as a side project, which quickly grew into a thriving community for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. The platform has helped launch countless startups and has become an essential resource for finding innovative products. In addition to Product Hunt, Hoover is an investor and writer, often sharing insights on startup culture and product development. His work has made him a key figure in the tech and startup ecosystems.
View CollectionMark Hart is a prominent hedge fund manager and investor, known for his successful bets against the U.S. housing market during the 2008 financial crisis. Hart is the founder of Corriente Advisors, a firm that focuses on macroeconomic trends and global market strategies. He gained widespread attention for his accurate predictions of market downturns, including his insights into the European sovereign debt crisis. Hart’s investment style is characterized by deep macroeconomic research and a contrarian approach. His work in the finance world has made him a respected figure, particularly for his ability to anticipate large-scale economic shifts.
View CollectionNoah Kagan is an influential entrepreneur and author known for his expertise in marketing and business growth. He is the founder of AppSumo, a platform that offers software deals for startups, and Sumo, a suite of tools for website growth. Kagan's notable literary contribution includes his book "How I Lost 170 Million Dollars: My Time as #30 at Facebook," which provides insights into his experiences and lessons learned in the tech industry. He is also recognized for his engaging writing on entrepreneurship and productivity on his popular blog, OkDork. Through his work, Kagan has inspired countless entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts worldwide.
View CollectionAusten Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.
View CollectionDavid Kadavy is an author, podcast host, and creativity expert, best known for his books The Heart to Start and Design for Hackers, where he explores the intersection of creativity, productivity, and design. Kadavy's work focuses on helping creators overcome procrastination, build meaningful habits, and find motivation to pursue their creative projects. He is also the host of the Love Your Work podcast, where he interviews high-performing individuals across various fields about their creative processes and productivity techniques. Kadavy’s insights stem from his own experiences as a designer and entrepreneur, offering practical advice on how to break through mental blocks and create with intention. His work emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, creativity, and a minimalist approach to both design and life. Kadavy’s books and podcast have garnered a global audience, positioning him as a thought leader in the realms of personal development and creative success.
View CollectionEric Schmidt is an American business executive, software engineer, and former CEO of Google and its parent company, Alphabet. With a PhD in computer science, Schmidt brought a wealth of technical knowledge to his leadership roles, guiding Google through its transformation from a startup to a tech giant. Schmidt joined Google in 2001 when the company was still in its early stages, and under his leadership, Google expanded its products and services, from search engines to Android, YouTube, and cloud computing. Schmidt was instrumental in shaping the company's culture, focusing on innovation, and allowing engineers the freedom to explore new ideas. After stepping down as CEO in 2011, he served as Google's executive chairman and later Alphabet's, contributing to strategic decisions and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Schmidt is also a philanthropist, focusing on technology education, sustainability, and global policy issues. His work on artificial intelligence and its impact on society continues to be influential.
View CollectionKeith Rabois is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and startup ecosystem. He played crucial roles in the early success of companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, Square, and Yelp, earning a reputation as a skilled operator and strategic thinker. As a partner at Founders Fund and later at Khosla Ventures, Rabois has invested in and advised numerous successful startups. In addition to his business ventures, he has written insightful articles and essays on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the broader discourse on these subjects. Rabois continues to influence the tech world with his strategic insights and thought leadership.
View CollectionArianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View CollectionChristopher Sommer is a distinguished author and gymnastics coach, renowned for his contributions to the field of physical fitness and athletic training. He is best known for his book "Building the Gymnastic Body," which has become an influential guide in the world of bodyweight strength training. Sommer's expertise stems from his extensive experience as a former US national team gymnastics coach. His work has inspired many to adopt gymnastic principles for overall fitness and well-being. Through his writings and coaching, Sommer has significantly impacted the fitness community, promoting a holistic approach to strength and flexibility.
View Collection“"The best tools are those that save us time and enhance our creativity, helping us unlock our potential to shape the world around us."”
Cool Tools
By Kevin Kelly
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.