A truth that is self-evident

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident. Arthur Schopenhauer

I came across this quote recently and it struck a chord with one of the group’s that I currently Chair. If you take the quote and apply it to innovation, it comes alive.

The aeroplane : Initially the attitude was one of hilarity – references back to the legend of Daedalus and Icarus. Over time, it moved on to outright distaste for these ‘infernal machines’ ruining our skies and taking the pleasure out of intercontinental travel by steamer. Finally, it has become a self-evident truth that jet travel has turned us into a global village.

Now try the mobile phone: Images of Harry Enfield with a phone ‘brick’ shouting loudly “I’m on the train!!” This morphed into a view that mobile phone technology was destroying people’s ability to communicate and should be banned or curtailed. Now, try running a business without mobile connectivity. You would be…. gosh… ridiculed.

I work with a small number of entities each, in their own way, changing the way in which their markets operate. The common thing that marks them out and is making them successful is their belief in the industry changes that they are leading.

They will accept ridicule - "that will never work"

They will ignore knocking copy and calls to industry leaders - "they shouldn't be allowed to do this"

They will be magnanimous in sharing their success through collaboration

Good old Arthur. Telling it like it is.