The most promising ideas begin from novelty and then add familiarity.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the dynamics of idea generation and innovation, emphasizing a crucial principle: that innovative and successful ideas often start with something new or unfamiliar and then incorporate elements of familiarity. This blending of novelty and familiarity is a powerful strategy for creating ideas that resonate and have the potential to succeed.
In the realm of creativity and innovation, novelty is often seen as a driving force. New and unique ideas capture attention and stand out in a crowded landscape. However, solely relying on novelty can sometimes be challenging because entirely unfamiliar concepts may be difficult for people to grasp or relate to.
The quote suggests that the most promising ideas strike a balance by introducing something fresh and unfamiliar but also incorporating elements that people can recognize or relate to. This combination serves as a bridge between the innovative and the familiar, making it easier for others to understand, accept, and adopt these ideas.
In practical terms, this concept is often seen in product design, marketing, and even art. A groundbreaking product, for instance, might introduce a novel feature or technology while still retaining some familiar functionalities that users find comfortable and accessible.
In essence, this quote encourages us to think creatively by combining the allure of novelty with the comfort of familiarity when crafting innovative solutions or ideas. It reminds us that successful innovation often involves striking a delicate balance between the new and the familiar, making the unfamiliar more approachable and, consequently, more likely to gain acceptance and thrive in the real world.
Who said the quote?
The quote "The most promising ideas begin from novelty and then add familiarity." is often attributed to Adam Grant (Bio / Quotes). Adam Grant is an American organizational psychologist and author known for his books "Give and Take" and "Originals" and his TED Talks on motivation and success.
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.