Art Quote by Elihu Thomson
“The so-called ‘crank’ may be quite original in his ideas. … Invention, however, in the engineering sense involves originality; but not that alone, if the results are to be of value. There is imagination more or less fertile, but with it a knowledge of what has been done before, carried perhaps by the memory, together with a sense of the present or prospective needs in art or industry. Necessity is not always the mother of invention. It may be prevision.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Engineering Innovation, 1910
Original ideas need knowledge, imagination, and relevance to be valuable inventions.
In simple terms: Ideas must be informed and useful.
Key Takeaway
Combine imagination with knowledge.
Themes
creativity
engineering
originality
practicality
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- product design
- research development
- technology strategy
Key Concepts
innovation theory
historical context
knowledge management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance novelty with practicality?
- What role does historical knowledge play in your creative process?
A Different Perspective
Originality alone may not lead to marketable outcomes.
