10. “There is no reason for any individuals to have a computer in their home.” ~Kenneth Olsen, Pres. & Founder of Digital Equipment Corp. in 1977
9. “Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value.” ~Marshall Ferdinand Foch, French Military Strategist & Future World War 1 Commander in 1911
8. “Man will will never reach the moon, regardless of all the future scientific advances.” ~ Dr. Lee De Forest, Inventor of the Audion Tube and Father of Radio, on February 25, 1967
7. “Television won’t be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon get tired of staring at the plywood box every night.” ~Darryl F. Zanuck, Head of 20th Century-Fox in 1946
6. “We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out.” ~Decca Records rejecting the Beatles in 1962
5. “For the majority of the people, the use of tobacco has a beneficial effect. ~Dr. Ian G. MacDonald, Los Angeles Surgeon, as quoted in Newsweek, November 18, 1969
4. “This telephone” has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” ~Western Union Internal Memo in 1876
3. “The earth is the center of the Universe.” ~Ptolemy, The Great Egyptian Astronomer, in the 2nd Century.
2. “Nothing of importance happened today.” Written by King George, III Of England on July 4, 1776
- “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” ~Charles H. Duell, US Commander of Patents in 1899.
These were all real quotes said by important people at the time. I believe that some people are afraid of change. They want to keep living as the way they have been used to and do not want to reinvent themselves. I mean a big example is Kodak. When Kodak realised the the future of photography would be digital, they did not choose to change.
Most people will say that it is impossible, that you wont be able to do it. Do not listen to these negative comment, and if you honestly believe in your idea go ahead and do it. Use feedback as a chance to improve not to end with your idea.
These past Thursday, we presented our Innovation Academy project to a group of mothers. We received really tough feedback about our project. Instead of winning about the feedback and throwing the towel, we decided to find solutions for our problem. Solutions that we are currently working on as a group.
Never feel diminished by people that say it wont work. Instead use that feedback to improve and keep moving forward.