Want to learn the ideas in The Myths of Innovation better than ever? Read the world’s #1 book summary of The Myths of Innovation by Scott Berkun here.
Read a brief 1-Page Summary or watch video summaries curated by our expert team. Note: this book guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher or author, and we always encourage you to purchase and read the full book.
Video Summaries of The Myths of Innovation
We’ve scoured the Internet for the very best videos on The Myths of Innovation, from high-quality videos summaries to interviews or commentary by Scott Berkun.
1-Page Summary of The Myths of Innovation
Overview
Most people believe that good ideas are inspired from something outside of themselves. In fact, they think it’s better not to come up with innovative ideas because the best ones strike when we least expect them.
Innovation is a popular topic. People think of it as something that comes from one person, but the truth is different. In fact, many people believe that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. However, you’ll soon find out that two lesser-known inventors are actually responsible for this invention and other similar ones. These key points will redefine how you look at innovation processes and help you avoid pitfalls so you can become a successful innovator yourself. You’ll learn about why we shouldn’t fall for the story of Isaac Newton and his famous apple; breakthrough inventions usually aren’t created by a single individual; and sometimes we fail to see the value in an idea right away.”
Big Idea #1: Great ideas aren’t born from divine inspiration but from a build-up of smaller thoughts.
As people visit the studios of artists, inventors, and researchers, they often ask them this question: where do their ideas come from?
A popular origin story of a great idea is that of Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity. He supposedly discovered it after an apple fell on his head. The implication is that epiphanies exist and you can have one by being in the right place at the right time. However, this tale isn’t true because great ideas don’t just appear out of nowhere; they’re developed over time through hard work and sacrifice.
The word epiphany has religious connotations. It originally meant that all moments of inspiration came from God. Today, the word is less associated with religion, but still implies that you have no idea where your ideas come from.
This belief that great ideas come from a realm beyond our control and are given to us in mysterious ways is an attempt to relieve guilt and frustration when we can’t think of any creative ideas. This belief, however, is a distortion of what the creative process entails.
Most creatives don’t get inspired by one big idea. Instead, they build on many small insights to create an amazing product. For example, it took decades of work in networking and software before Tim Berners-Lee could create the World Wide Web.
Newton’s apple did not just fall from the tree. It took time to come up with an innovative thought.
Big Idea #2: Relentlessly generate new ideas and give them time to grow into great ones.
In today’s world, convenience is important. People want to be able to get what they need quickly and easily. In this culture of consumerism, we also expect our new ideas to come conveniently packaged for us so that we don’t have to put any effort into thinking about them.
The belief that good ideas arrive fully formed often stops us from developing them. When innovators try to pitch their ideas, they hear things like “We’ve already tried that” or “We don’t work like that here.” This is unfortunate because it nips the possibility of growth in the bud and ignores the fact that new ideas don’t come conveniently ready-made.
Ideas need to be nurtured over time. People who expect perfection right from the beginning are not helpful, as they’re discouraging and critical of new ideas. Henry Ford didn’t get it right the first time, but he continued developing his cars until he had a great product.
He also realized that innovation is a sloppy process. It’s not about having the perfect formula, but simply having many ideas.
The world’s greatest creative thinkers are known for constantly coming up with the next new thing. Composer Beethoven was always jotting down notes, even interrupting conversations and walking out in the middle of meals to do so. Ernest Hemingway wrote and rewrote dozens of his stories, changing characters, plots and themes over time.
