Gave Quote by William McDonough
“We realized we don't have an invention, that's why we gave it away.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Sustainable Design Talk, 2010
The creators realized their product lacked novelty, so they chose to share it freely, emphasizing openness over proprietary advantage.
In simple terms: They gave away a non‑unique invention.
Key Takeaway
Share ideas when they lack a competitive edge.
Themes
innovation
generosity
open source
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- product launch
- open‑source project
- community building
Key Concepts
intellectual property
collaboration
Questions to Reflect On
- What benefits arise from openly sharing non‑unique creations?
- How can openness drive future innovation?
A Different Perspective
Sharing may reduce potential profit from exclusive rights.
![“I entered high school she[ my mother] said, "Well, you're a teenager now, and comics are for kids, so you shouldn't read them anymore," and I went, "Oh, okay," and I gave away what, of course, would now be thousands of dollars worth of comics to the neighborhood kids.” quote by Trina Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7eb/trina-robbins-33748_courses_i-entered-high-school-she-my-mother-said_879053.jpg)
![“You need that same creative force that exists in a building like Disney [Walt Disney Concert Hall] to actually tackle that most prosaic of problems.” quote by William McDonough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a98/william-mcdonough-10055_building_you-need-that-same-creative-force-that-e_157070.jpg)
