searching…
Technology often presents itself as a double-edged sword. On one side, it offers remarkable efficiency, streamlining processes and simplifying complex tasks. On the flip side, this very efficiency can be steeped in bias, subtly narrowing our vision and perspectives.
Unearthing innovations that defy prediction, known as "black swans," poses a unique challenge. While achievements might manifest recognizable patterns, genuine discovery is rooted in humility. It's about acknowledging the expansive realm of the unknown, yet maintaining unwavering faith in yet-to-be-found answers.
At some juncture, innovators realize the importance of forging ahead, regardless of external skepticism. If the tools don't exist, create them. it's easy to become entranced by the newest methods and tools, believing they offer the most advanced solutions. This modern mindset champions the latest and greatest, often sidelining time-tested techniques. However, while the allure of the new is undeniable, it's essential to remember that innovation isn't solely the domain of the contemporary. The wisdom of the past, combined with a discerning eye, can reveal overlooked treasures in unexpected places.
Often, individuals might perceive something as the "industry standard" without realizing it may not represent the pinnacle of available scientific design. There's a vast ocean of information and myriad opinions out there, which can sometimes obscure the fundamental physics of a situation. Industry professionals, accustomed to familiar viewpoints, may gravitate towards what they deem safe, potentially overlooking innovative solutions that lie just outside their traditional purview. Thus, my continued allure of older, traditional tools and methods. There's a charm in repurposing, in reinventing from commodities, scraps, or dismantled products. This hands-on, practical mindset is what (I have been told) used to be called the "farm boy approach." where simplicity and ingenuity converge.
Professionals sometimes become ensnared in the web of multifaceted considerations. While aiming to account for every conceivable factor, losing clarity on the primary objectives. The myriad of details, while essential, can sometimes overshadow the core mission. It's a challenge in almost every industry: maintaining the delicate balance between comprehensive planning and staying true to the project's central goals. Often, in the bid to cover all bases, there's a risk of diluting focus, with the project's heart and soul getting lost amidst the noise of peripheral concerns.
Computers and technology often steer our problem-solving approaches towards the fastest and most convenient solutions. This has distanced many of us from traditional methods of troubleshooting and innovation. While technological solutions are ubiquitous and easily accessible, they also present a challenge: everyone has access to the same set of tools.
When we consistently rely on the same technological tools and methodologies, we run the risk of becoming confined within their parameters. These tools, while designed to aid us, can inadvertently dictate the boundaries of our thought processes. Over time, these boundaries can be perceived as immutable edges, limiting our explorations and dampening our creative spirit.
This limitation isn't just physical or practical; it's cognitive. The biases introduced by over-reliance on familiar tools can create mental barriers, leading us to believe that certain solutions or ideas are unattainable or irrelevant. In reality, these perceived walls are often just illusions, constructs of our own making, reinforced by habitual use of the same tools.
For the innovator, the challenge is to recognize and overcome these biases. It's essential to periodically question the tools we use, to step outside their confines, (and our comfort zone) and to view problems from multiple angles. By doing so, we can discern the difference between genuine limitations and those that are merely perceived. Only then can we truly push the boundaries of what's possible and discover solutions that are not just different but significantly better.
I have been contemplating some of the little tricks we have discovered (such as Ice power) and how we could advertise or jump start to industrial purpose. Ice power was invented as a toy in Scandinavia but never used for work before now. That makes it a modern version of Hero's Aeolipile from ancient Greece, a playful invention with the potential to perform work if equipped with gears. Many recognize this ancient device as a precursor to the modern steam engine. Connecting these dots, it seems evident that sometimes, playful or overlooked inventions harbour transformative potential.
New possibilities often encounters a wall of disbelief. This skepticism isn't just rooted in the newness of discoveries but in a deeper, more entrenched mindset. Many believe that the zenith of discovery has been reached, that all that could be known is known. When faced with something that doesn't align with their existing knowledge, they retreat into the comfort of the "a priori" challenge. This term, often wielded by newcomers in fields like law and marketing, is emblematic of the skepticism that innovators face. It's the intellectual equivalent of dismissing a new idea by saying, "We know it's false because it isn't true"—a circular argument that feigns depth without offering any real insight. I’ve noticed politicians are also adept at this tactic.
Basically you get to the point where you realize we need to just start creating things and to hell with what anyone says. Yes we sure did find a few possible black swans…and so what If some tools are unavailable, the innovator's spirit dictates their creation.
As we pursue land partnerships for our hydrogen projects, we're enthusiastic about the collaborative discoveries on the horizon and the opportunities to jointly overcome challenges with our partners. There will be inventing done and we are looking forward to it.
