Control Quote by Paul Romer
“When somebody discovers something like the quadratic formula or the Pythagorean theorem, the convention in science is that he can't control that idea. He has to give it away. He publishes it. What's rewarded in science is dissemination of ideas.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Innovation, 2015
Scientific progress relies on sharing discoveries, not hoarding them; dissemination is the true reward.
In simple terms: Science values sharing ideas.
Share your findings openly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research labs
- academic conferences
- peer‑reviewed journals
- industry R&D
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance openness with personal recognition?
- What systems encourage sharing?
Open sharing can reduce personal credit and competitive advantage.