There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.
Edward De BonoRead
Removing the faults in a stage-coach may produce a perfect stage-coach, but it is unlikely to produce the first motor car.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Improving existing ideas may not lead to groundbreaking innovations.
This quote by Edward De Bono illustrates the concept that focusing solely on refining and correcting current systems (like a stage-coach) may not foster revolutionary advancements (such as the motor car). It suggests that true innovation often requires thinking beyond existing models and embracing new possibilities rather than just striving for perfection in what already exists.
Themes
InnovationCreativityProgressChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar on technological advancement, one might quote this to encourage thinking outside the box.
More from Edward De Bono
All quotes βDealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy. There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple.
Edward De BonoRead
As competition intensifies, the need for creative thinking increases. It is no longer enough to do the same thing better . . . no longer enough to be efficient and solve problems.
Edward De BonoRead
Most of the mistakes in thinking are inadequacies of perception rather than mistakes of logic.
Edward De BonoRead
(...) being right all the time acquires a huge importance in education, and there is this terror of being wrong. The ego is so tied to being right that later on in life you are reluctant to accept that you are ever wrong, because you are defending not the idea but your self-esteem. (...) this terror of being wrong means that people have enormous difficulties in changing ideas.
Edward De BonoRead
Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it.
Edward De BonoRead
Similar quotes
It's near impossible to always be right when you're innovating. It's easy to get emotionally invested in it, but you need to monitor its impact like a hawk and react if you don't like what you see. And if/when you pull it back, you want to do that communication with transparency and humility.
Jeff JordanRead
Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.
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Most innovation is not done by research institutes and national laboratories. It comes from manufacturing - from companies that want to extend their product reach, improve their costs, increase their returns. What's very important is in-house research.
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Optimism is an essential ingredient of innovation. How else can the individual welcome change over security, adventure over staying in safe places?
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My view is there's no bad time to innovate.
Jeff BezosRead
The breakthrough innovations come when the tension is greatest and the resources are most limited. That's when people are actually a lot more open to rethinking the fundamental way they do business.
Clayton M. ChristensenRead