~ Learning From Legends

~Learning From Legends


When I run into a problem, I think, "What would Einstein or Edison do in this situation?"

We are so fortunate that we don't have to make our own way - we have inherited a great wealth of information we can use.

Instead of stumbling, trying to gather wisdom , Newton, Edison, Einstein and others hand it to us.

We learn from what they did.

We inherit their innovation.

For instance, when Edison was trying to figure out how to increase the flow of messages in the telegraph, he considered how to increase the flow of water in a pipe.

By thinking about his problem that way, he was able to separate the flow of current and thus send simultaneous messages on the same telegraph wire.

Tip: When you come up with a problem, think about what the essence of the problem is, and then think of what other things could have the same basic problem.

Thomas Edison had a problem with stealing - he was famous for taking someone else's idea and then improving it or thinking of another way to apply it.
He said, "Make it a habit to keep on the lookout for novel and interesting ideas that others have used successfully.

Your idea needs to be original only in its adaption to the problem you are working on."

Thomas Edison had several tables, each with a project on it. He would work on one until he found himself lacking inspiration.

Then he would move on to the next table. And on to the next. Suddenly he would receive an inspirational thought about how the project he was working on connected with another. And he would rush back to the first table and work again, inspiration renewed.

Tip: When inspiration is lacking, move on to something else. Periodically, review your notes on the first project. And wait for inspiration to return. When determining a project timeline, make sure you slot this time in.

Albert Einstein used his imagination extensively to come us with new ideas.

He would think in images, daydreaming and placing himself in the daydream so he could more fully understand the problem - from the problem's perspective.

Tip: Ask yourself, "If I were a ___, what would I see? What would be important to me?"


Too many of history's legendary innovators to be mentioned, drew pictures when solving a problem. They would draw a picture of the problem and then try and solve it pictorially. Doing this helped them see the problem with a different set of eyes.

Tip: Try drawing a picture of the problem you are trying to solve. Write down whatever comes into your mind, all the time drawing more images to go with those thoughts.

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Here’s to success. Sincerely Bill Simmon