--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: An invention is something that was…" description: "\"An invention is something that was \"impossible\" up to then that's why governments grant patents.\" — Robert A. Heinlein" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a5/robert-a-heinlein-209_government_an-invention-is-something-that-was-impos_2243010.jpg" --- # An invention is something that was "impossible" up to then… ![“An invention is something that was "impossible" up to then that's why governments grant patents.” quote by Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a5/robert-a-heinlein-209_government_an-invention-is-something-that-was-impos_2243010.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a5/robert-a-heinlein-209_government_an-invention-is-something-that-was-impos_2243010.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a5/robert-a-heinlein-209_government_an-invention-is-something-that-was-impos_2243010.jpg) > “An invention is something that was "impossible" up to then that's why governments grant patents.” [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Patents protect inventions that were once impossible, encouraging innovation by granting exclusive rights. **In simple terms:** Patents reward breakthroughs that were once impossible. Key Takeaway Protect and reward breakthrough ideas. Themes innovation law economics creativity progress Mood analytical critical informative Type statement argumentative explanatory When to use this quote - startup funding - research labs - policy debates Key Concepts intellectual property incentive structures technological advancement Questions to Reflect On - Should all breakthroughs be patented? - What are the limits of patent protection? A Different Perspective Patent systems can stifle incremental improvements. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Grant Patents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grant-patents-5093029/) [Grants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grants/) [Impossible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/impossible/) [Impossible Governments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/impossible-governments-5093028/) [Innovation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innovation/) [Invention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invention/) [Invention Impossible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invention-impossible-5093027/) [Patents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patents/) [Patience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patience/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) ## Related quotes > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then \[these?\],… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in-england-in-1624-and-in-this/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [Shall an invention be patented or donated to the public freely? 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