Everything Has Already Been Invented
In 1899 Charles H. Duell, the Commissioner at U.S. Office of Patents, was quoted as saying, “everything that can be invented has been invented.” In Charles’ defense I am sure he had seen the oddest and most un-innovative inventions. Nonetheless, I would like to propose that innovation will never cease.
Innovation is a Cycle
There will always be something to invent. The world we live in today experiences rapid and unparalleled change. And change is a catalyst for new innovation. Furthermore, the nature of innovation is that each innovation changes something. The result of the change is that more innovation can occur. Change leads to innovation and innovation creates change!
This cycle can occur on a micro or macro scale. Take the invention of the steam engine. That dramatically changed the world and allowed for countless innovations which in turn changed the world and lead to more innovations.
So the next time you or even your competition comes up with a great innovation ask yourself what does this change. Then work on the next innovation in the cycle.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:21 am
[...] The special thing about an innovative culture is that each new innovation leads to new innovation opportunities (see also Everything Has Already Been Invented). That means that an innovative culture builds on itself. Instead of using up its resources, innovation is a renewable resource and the more it is renewed the more it can occur. [...]