Why do so many world-changing insights come from people with little or no related experience?
A power and thought-provoking question indeed.
The question was asked by Frans Johansson, author of the book, The Medici Effect, that came out in 2004.
The book explores why the most powerful innovations occur at the “intersection” where ideas and concepts from different and diverse industries, cultures, and disciplines converge.
When disparate insights from other industries are applied in new ways, they create surprising and unique breakthroughs.
It’s kinda like the old idiom “seeing the forest from the trees,” when you’re knee deep in the weeds getting bit my bugs all the time, you’ll never get to see the trees.
The Medici Effect can be found everywhere – producing innovative products, services, food, music, you name it.
Think about music – some of the best bands have intermixed genres to form their own unique sound and identity, often to critical acclaim.
Same with food – award winning chefs and restaurants constantly experiment with diverse cultural food favorites, add a twist, and make it their own unique masterpiece.
A perfect example in the advertising world is Eugene M. Schwartz – one of the greatest copywriters to have walked the planet.
Schwartz was the author of 10 books, including “Breakthrough Advertising,” and “The Brilliance Breakthrough,” and his work is still highly applicable and influential today.
Schwartz sought insights and knowledge from outside subjects and industries – like science and the arts.
As one of the highest-paid copywriters of the 1950s and 60s, Schwartz was also a world-class art collector and respected Biblical scholar.
Here’s an example of one of Schwartz’s famous ads:
Accurate Thinking
Speaking of business legends, another one that deserves a spot in the hall of fame is Napoleon Hill. Napoleon hill often referred to having “accurate thinking” as a core essential to any business success.
In life, and in business, there are ever persistent obstacles, hurdles, and barricades that block success. Some people look for short-cuts, and paths without constraints – only to end up wasting time, energy and resources. Others plead ignorance – thinking that ignoring them will somehow make them go away.
People that find success acknowledge the difficulties at hand and find solutions to problems. Their success is deeply rooted in reality versus fantasy.
And why nothing beats smart, hard work.
So, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.
Knowledge comes from experience and wisdom is achieved through failure.
Therefore, you really have nothing to lose ☺
And don’t forget to seek knowledge where others don’t – from others outside your field, from the arts, from the sciences, from wherever you are curious.
You’ll be better equipped to deal with the relentless resistance that business and life throw your way.
To your road less traveled ~
