Don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.
Edwin LandRead
Work only on problems that are manifestly important and seem to be nearly impossible to solve. That way you will have a natural market for your product and no competition.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on solving significant and challenging problems to create valuable products with less competition.
The quote emphasizes the importance of directing efforts towards issues that are not only crucial but also difficult to tackle. By choosing to work on problems that are perceived as vital and nearly insurmountable, one can create a unique offering in the marketplace, thus attracting demand without facing fierce competition, as fewer people will attempt to solve such problems.
Themes
WorkProblemsImportantImpossibleMarketCompetition
In practice
Example use cases
During a startup pitch, to inspire potential investors about the focus of our project.
More from Edwin Land
All quotes βIndustry is best at the intersection of science and art.
Edwin LandRead
I believe quite simply that the small company of the future will be as much a research organization as it is a manufacturing company.
Edwin LandRead
It is a curious property of research activity that after the problem has been solved the solution seems obvious. This is true not only for those who have not previously been acquainted with the problem, but also for those who have worked over it for years.
Edwin LandRead
My motto is very personal and may not fit anyone else or any other company. It is: Don't do anything that someone else can do. Don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.
Edwin LandRead
Intense concentration for hour after hour can bring out resources in people that they didn't know they had.
Edwin LandRead
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