Every innovation stems from an insight – a statement that has been repeatedly proven throughout history. An insight, which can be defined as a sudden and profound understanding of something, is often the starting point for creating something completely new and revolutionary.
A classic example is that of the apple that fell on Isaac Newton’s head, which led to his fundamental understanding of the laws of gravity. Newton’s insight led to a new way of understanding physics, and that understanding led to many other innovations that changed the world.
Another example is the invention of Post-it notes. Spencer Silver, a chemist at 3M, was trying to develop a new super-strong adhesive but ended up creating an adhesive that wasn’t strong enough. Silver realized that the adhesive could be useful in a different way when a colleague used the adhesive to stick markers in a book. This insight led to the creation of Post-it notes, which became a worldwide success.
A third example of a revolutionary insight is the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in 1953. They used the technique of X-ray diffraction to investigate the structure of DNA, but the big revelation came when Rosalind Franklin, a colleague, produced a crucial image of DNA that allowed Watson and Crick to identify the double helix shape. This insight led to the understanding of the fundamental structure of life and the development of molecular genetics.
The invention of the electron microscope also stems from an insight. Ernst Ruska, a German engineer, had an insight when he realized that the wavelength of electrons was much smaller than that of light, which would allow for the visualization of smaller objects than was possible with a conventional optical microscope. This understanding led to the creation of the first electron microscope in 1931, which revolutionized science and allowed for the visualization of cellular and molecular structures on an unprecedented scale.
Finally, another example is Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895. Röntgen noticed that a type of unknown radiation could penetrate opaque objects and create images on a photographic plate. This insight led to the development of radiology and modern medicine, enabling the visualization of the inside of the human body without the need for invasive surgery.
In fact, many of history’s most important innovations began with an insight. From the discovery of fire to the invention of the steam engine, from the creation of the telephone to the invention of the internet, all of these innovations had their origins in an idea that someone had.
But an insight alone is not enough to lead to innovation. It requires people willing to invest time, resources, and energy to turn that idea into a reality. It requires an environment conducive to innovation, where ideas can be shared and developed, where risk can be taken, and where failure is seen as a learning opportunity.
In summary, every innovation stems from an insight, but it is the courage and determination of those who are willing to turn these insights into reality that truly change the world.