Basements Quote by Philippe Kahn
“I am surprised at all the people in the high-tech industry focused on "making money"... If that's all they want to do, they should have a $100 printing press in their basements and they will truly "make money." Instead, if we focus all that energy on innovation, we'll change the world for the best.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: TechCrunch Disrupt, 2005
Prioritizing profit over innovation limits societal impact; true progress comes from creative focus.
In simple terms: Money‑first thinking hinders change.
Key Takeaway
Choose innovation over profit.
Themes
innovation
technology
values
impact
entrepreneurship
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- startup strategy
- product development
- R&D budgeting
- company culture
Key Concepts
disruption
creative drive
social good
Questions to Reflect On
- How can companies balance profit and innovation?
- What incentives foster creative risk‑taking?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can sustain short‑term gains but erode long‑term relevance.
