Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1) It’s completely impossible. 2) It’s possible, but it’s not worth doing. 3) I said it was a good idea all along.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote offers a concise and insightful perspective on the typical responses that revolutionary ideas tend to elicit from society. It outlines the progression of reactions, from initial skepticism and dismissal to reluctant acceptance and, ultimately, the claim of having supported the idea from the start.
At its core, this quote addresses the resistance and skepticism that often accompany groundbreaking and innovative concepts. The first stage, "It's completely impossible," reflects the knee-jerk reaction to an idea that challenges the status quo or conventional wisdom. People tend to resist change and cling to established norms, and this initial response represents a form of rejection driven by the belief that the proposed idea is beyond the realm of feasibility.
The second stage, "It's possible, but it's not worth doing," acknowledges a shift in perspective. Here, individuals may recognize the potential feasibility of the idea but question its practicality or significance. This stage reflects a more nuanced reaction, where skepticism transitions from outright rejection to a pragmatic assessment of the idea's value and feasibility.
The third stage, "I said it was a good idea all along," humorously captures the phenomenon of revisionist history, where some individuals, after the success or acceptance of an idea, claim to have supported it from the beginning. This stage highlights the human tendency to conform to popular opinion and avoid being associated with initial skepticism or resistance.
Furthermore, the quote serves as a commentary on the dynamics of innovation and societal change. It suggests that truly revolutionary ideas often face resistance and skepticism precisely because they challenge the prevailing paradigms and require people to reassess their beliefs and comfort zones. The stages outlined in the quote reflect the gradual process through which society adapts to and embraces transformative concepts.
In essence, this quote encourages us to recognize the patterns of reaction to revolutionary ideas and to appreciate the courage and persistence required to introduce and champion innovative concepts. It highlights the importance of pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking and the inevitability of resistance when challenging the status quo.
Moreover, the quote reminds us of the resilience of human creativity and the capacity to overcome resistance through perseverance and conviction. It encourages innovators and advocates for change to remain steadfast in their beliefs and to recognize that history has shown that truly transformative ideas can eventually gain acceptance and change the course of society.
In summary, "Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction..." offers a perceptive and humorous perspective on the typical responses to innovative concepts. It underscores the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo and the importance of perseverance in driving societal change. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that the path to progress is often marked by skepticism and resistance, but history has shown that innovative ideas can ultimately prevail.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1) It's completely impossible. 2) It's possible, but it's not worth doing. 3) I said it was a good idea all along." is often attributed to Arthur C. Clarke (Bio / Quotes). Arthur C. Clarke was a British science fiction writer and futurist, best known for his novel "2001: A Space Odyssey" and for popularizing the concept of geostationary satellites.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
