How to Fly a Horse
Innovation isn’t about genius but rather persistence and hard work.
Summary of 5 Key Points
Key Points
- Persistence over Genius
- The Birth of Innovation
- Embracing Failure
- Iterative Process of Creation
- Cultivating Creativity
key point 1 of 5
Persistence over Genius
Persistence over talent is a recurring theme that emphasizes the importance of continual effort and determination in achieving anything, including the creation of a new idea or a breakthrough. This perspective argues against the common belief that genius or innate talent is the only or primary driver of great achievements. Instead, it postulates that even those with average abilities can achieve remarkable results if they demonstrate resilience and tenacity in the face of challenges and failures…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 5
The Birth of Innovation
In the book ‘How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention, and Discovery’, the author Kevin Ashton rejects the common notion of innovation as the product of a singular ‘eureka’ moment, instead arguing that innovations are birthed from a slow, incremental, and laborious process. He suggests that innovation is not the fruit of a sudden spark of genius, but the result of hard work, constant questioning, and persistent testing…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 5
Embracing Failure
In pursuing creativity, ‘Embracing Failure’ is a significant element. It emphasizes that failure is not the opposite of success, but part of the process. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, it should be seen as a stepping stone towards success. Every failure brings us one step closer to our goals as it provides vital lessons and insights that we can utilize to improve our approach…Read&Listen More
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Iterative Process of Creation
The iterative process of creation is described as a gradual and often challenging endeavor that counters the myth of sudden, brilliant innovation. It emphasizes that creation is not the result of a single moment of inspiration but rather the outcome of ongoing effort, failures, and incremental improvements. The text dismantles the idea of the ‘eureka’ moment, illustrating that what is often seen as an instant leap in creativity is usually the product of considerable time and labor…Read&Listen More
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Cultivating Creativity
Cultivating creativity is not a process of divine inspiration but rather the product of hard work and dedication. It involves a constant cycle of ideas and revision, of exploring and examining. It’s about taking a concept, no matter how vague or abstract, and refining it until it takes shape. In this sense, creativity can be seen as a process, not a gift. It’s not about being struck with a sudden spark of genius but about constantly fanning the flames of your own thoughts and ideas…Read&Listen More