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[David Harker asked: Dr Pauling, how do you have so many…

“[David Harker asked: Dr Pauling, how do you have so many good ideas?] Well David, I have a lot of ideas and throw away the bad ones.” quote by Linus Pauling
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“[David Harker asked: Dr Pauling, how do you have so many good ideas?] Well David, I have a lot of ideas and throw away the bad ones.”

Linus Pauling

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pauline suggests that generating many ideas and discarding the poor ones is a productive creative process, emphasizing quantity to discover quality.

In simple terms: Create many ideas, discard the bad.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize idea generation and selection.

Themes

creativity innovation critical thinking

Mood

analytical inspirational

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • brainstorming sessions
  • research development
  • product design

Key Concepts

design thinking problem solving scientific method

Questions to Reflect On

  • How many ideas are enough?
  • What criteria define a 'bad' idea?
A Different Perspective

The approach may undervalue deep refinement of good ideas.

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