Ideas

An idea is the suggestion of a particular course of action, a solution to a problem, an innovative creation, or a plan. Time ultimately reveals the value of an idea, in some cases, almost immediately and in others as the future slowly develops around it. The origins of ideas are limitless. Intellect, experience, and luck all play a vital role in the ultimate definition of a good or bad idea.

I have always prescribed to the theory that true genius is rooted in the concept of original thought. Most of us will never have an original thought but this reality does not doom us to a life of ignorance. One of the distinguishing features that separates human beings from other animals is collective knowledge. We do not have to individually create knowledge from its origin because it moves forward through time and across generations. As it rolls forward, we can all access it, use it, and create with it. We cobble what we have learned with our experiences to form our own ideas. Through this process, no matter how young or old, in varying degrees, we can all have successful ideas.

A procession of flat-bed trucks is moving down a road in Brazil. The cargo they are carrying consists of large air-conditioning units that are heading to a power plant. Upon their arrival these multi-million dollar units will be lifted into place by large cranes. The convoy moves along smoothly until it is forced to stop at an overpass that transverses the road. Upon inspection, it is discovered that there is not enough clearance for the trucks and their cargo to pass under. The cargo sits just two inches too high. The drivers get out of the trucks, the project manager surveys the problem, and experts arrive from the trucking company. They begin to discuss solutions to the problem. One idea is to demolish the overpass and rebuild after they have passed. Then someone suggests the possibility of bringing out a mobile crane to lift the units over the obstacle. Third idea is to see if a helicopter can lift the units off each truck and then place them back on the trucks on the opposite side. Just then a small boy rides up to the commotion on his bicycle. He listens to the adult conversation and in a short time he grasps the elements of the situation. He then proudly states, without reservation, his idea to solve the problem: “Why don’t you just let the air out of the tires and drive under?” For a moment this boy’s intrusion into the serious adult conversation annoys the group but very quickly they see that his idea is brilliant. They proceed to deflate the tires and roll under the overpass, re-inflate and begin moving toward the plant once again.

Can we infer from this example that the small boy is smarter than the adults? Is the young man destined to solve the world’s problems? Is he, in fact, a genius? The answer to all of these questions is no. So how is it that this young boy came up with the best idea? The answer lies in his unique intelligence and experience. His intellect is not as developed as the adults but he knows what he knows. Because of his height, his line of sight at the scene is dominated by the large tires on the trucks. He has a bike, it has tires, and when they are flat his bike is lower. In his young life he has not learned to fear putting forth an idea. He is not inhibited by the sense that he will be judged inferior if his idea is not chosen. He speaks freely and without the need to be right.

As we get older, we start to believe that our ideas are snapshots of our intelligence. If we tender a flawed idea it proves that we are not as smart as the others in the conversation. Some refuse to offer an idea for fear of ridicule while others irrationally defend their original idea as if their very life depended on it. Ideas are not the ultimate measure of intelligence or worth. Ideas are nothing more than the proposed course of action, a plan, a choice in the present to be judged at some point in the future. Most of us are not geniuses, but if we allow our selves to think freely, give voice to our ideas while accepting those of others as possible, we can solve any problem and produce amazing creations.

When Abraham Lincoln was elected President there were many who believed him to be unfit. Those who directly opposed him were very smart and accomplished men who thought themselves far superior and more well suited for the presidency. Upon taking the office, Lincoln immediately appointed these men to his Cabinet. He realized that they would be an asset to his decision making process. He knew that his detractors would all want to prove themselves more worthy and in an effort to do so, would vehemently oppose all of his ideas. If his ideas could stand up and prove themselves valid in the face of this withering criticism then he knew his courses of action were sound.

I have always been so inspired by Abraham Lincoln. When I have serious moments of thought and introspection I try to be like him. I know that reaching the level of intellectual confidence and conviction possessed by Abraham Lincoln is a lofty goal that in my humble existence I can only hope to tangentially touch upon. So, in my daily life, I attempt to act in a way that is more consistently attainable. I try to be like the little boy on the bike. Confident in what I know, unashamed to admit what I do not know, open and able to learn, without fear of embarrassment, eager and happy to put forth my vision, my ideas, untethered to the need to be right and undaunted by the possibility of being wrong.