How We Got To Now with Steven Johnson Season 1 Episode 1 Clean

In the first episode of How We Got To Now with Steven Johnson, titled "Clean", viewers are taken on a journey through the history of cleanliness. Johnson explores the importance of cleanliness throughout human history, from the ancient Mayans who built their cities around advanced sewage systems to the scientific breakthroughs of the industrial revolution that revolutionized public health.

Johnson begins by examining the evolution of bathing rituals across different cultures and time periods. He explains how the Greeks and Romans valued cleanliness for aesthetic reasons, while others, such as the medieval Europeans, viewed bathing as sinful. Johnson also highlights the technological advancements in hygiene, such as the development of soap in ancient Babylon, and the widespread use of showerheads and indoor plumbing in modern times.

Moving onto public health and sanitation, Johnson identifies several major breakthroughs that led to the widespread adoption of cleanliness practices. He examines the work of pioneers like John Snow, who used data to identify the source of a cholera outbreak in Victorian London, and Ignaz Semmelweis, who discovered the importance of hand washing in preventing infections.

The show then explores the impact of cleanliness on technology and innovation. Johnson explains the crucial role of a clean room in the development of modern microchip technology and the stunning advances that followed in the computing industry. He also examines the link between cleanliness and the space race, explaining how NASA's need for ultra-purified air led to the development of HEPA filters and advances in modern air purification technology.

Finally, Johnson explores the future of cleanliness, highlighting the new challenges we face as our world becomes increasingly urbanized and interconnected. He examines the challenges of maintaining public health in megacities like Shanghai and Delhi, where pollution and overcrowded living conditions present unique challenges. He also looks to emerging technologies, such as self-cleaning surfaces, to improve sanitation in the future.

Overall, "Clean" sets the tone for the rest of the series by showcasing the interconnectedness of innovation, technology, and human progress. Through the lens of cleanliness, Johnson illustrates the importance of examining historical, cultural, and technological roots to understand the complexities of the modern world.