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
If you look at history, innovation doesn't come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect.
Steven JohnsonRead
To be an inventor, you have to be willing to live with a sense of uncertainty, to work in this darkness and grope towards an answer, to put up with anxiety about whether there is an answer.
Ray DolbyRead
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.
Vaclav SmilRead
There's a silly notion that failure's not an option at NASA. Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.
Elon MuskRead
Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.
Steve JobsRead
Most innovative things are not obvious to other people at the time. You have to believe in yourself. If you've got a good idea, follow it even though others tell you it's not.
Frances ArnoldRead