#innovative thinking

How Epidemics Spur Innovative Thinking

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Staying power is critical if you wish to innovate …

The human tendency for imitation is a common roadblock to first principles thinking. 

When most people envision the future, they project the current form forward rather than projecting the function forward and abandoning the form. 

 For instance, when criticizing technological progress some people ask, “Where are the flying cars?” 

Here's the thing: We have flying cars. They're called airplanes. People who ask this question are so focused on form (a flying object that looks like a car) that they overlook the function (transportation by flight).

 This is what Elon Musk is referring to when he says that people often “live life by analogy.” Be wary of the ideas you inherit. Old conventions and previous forms are often accepted without question and, once accepted, they set a boundary around creativity.  

This difference is one of the key distinctions between continuous improvement and first principles thinking. Continuous improvement tends to occur within the boundary set by the original vision. By comparison, first principles thinking requires you to abandon your allegiance to previous forms and put the function front and center. What are you trying to accomplish? What is the functional outcome you are looking to achieve? 

Optimize the function. Ignore the form. 

This is how you learn to think for yourself.

It’s a good time to buy Southwest Airlines stock. Greedy entrepreneurs look short-term. China looks long-term. Don’t use China’s money to cure our greedy shortcomings! Leaders with a vision are needed during these crazy times. Innovative thinking is key. Americans need to be investing in our future.

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