"Where ideas have sex, is in technologies," says author and biologist Matt Ridley, "we give far too much credit to individuals for innovation...all of them are standing on the shoulders of lots of other people." Ridley discussed his views on trade, invention and creativity with the New York Times' John Tierney at a Reason Foundation event at the Museum of Sex in New York City on March 8, 2012. The author of "The Rational Optimist," tells Tierney that "Every technology we possess has ideas that occurred to different people in different times and different places...most innovation happens by perspiration not inspiration, it's tinkering...rather than geniuses in ivory towers." Tierney and Ridley also discuss how traders and businessmen, much maligned throughout history as exploiters and "social parasites," have actually contributed enormously to the spread of ideas and new technological breakthroughs...more
4 comments:
Sometimes I'm a little curious about readers of The Westerner and their interests. I know that not all 100% read every article, but, how many made it through all 20 minutes, 26 seconds of this Youtube presentation. Come on now, be honest.
I made it through about 10 minutes before I realized it had nothing to do with the ideas I have during sex. As a matter of fact, it's the only time my mind is clear of how to keep my place and this nation afloat.
Tick, the conversation is about "the spread of ideas", not the "spread of..." if you get my drift.
Hmmm. I'll be back to finish this comment once my mind is clear.
Dunno about you but I can now concentrate a little better on the spread of ideas. All I need to do is find that genius.
I'm still looking...maybe I need to go clear my mind again.
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