Biggest Myth About Innovation

The most common misconception about innovation lies in the stories we tell about how it happens. We often imagine lone geniuses toiling away, single-handedly birthing revolutionary ideas in a flash of brilliance. However, this is far from the reality of innovation. True innovation is a complex and messy process, teeming with unpredictable connections, cultural forces, and fortuitous occurrences.

The tale of innovation begins with the smallpox epidemic in 18th-century Europe. Smallpox was rampant, and its effects were devastating, with nearly all European adults experiencing it, and a significant number losing their lives. In an attempt to combat the disease, English doctors adopted a technique from the Turks, who, in turn, borrowed it from India or China. This method involved taking pus from a smallpox blister and introducing it into the skin of a healthy person, hoping to induce a mild form of the disease and subsequent immunity. This technique was called "inoculation." The results, however, were mixed, as it often led to severe illness and even death.

Edward Jenner, a man with a passion for birds and animal biology, wasn't initially interested in curing smallpox. Instead, he became intrigued by the observation that dairy farmers and milkmaids, who contracted cowpox, were immune to smallpox. In 1796, Jenner decided to test his hypothesis by scraping cowpox pus from a milkmaid named Sarah Nelmes, who had contracted it from a cow named Blossom. He then introduced this material into the arm of 8-year-old James Phipps, the gardener's son. James experienced mild symptoms but, when later exposed to smallpox, remained unharmed. This marked the birth of "vaccination," named after "vacca," the Latin word for cow.

Edward Jenner's vaccination idea spread across Europe and even caught the attention of Napoleon, who saw the potential military advantage in having a vaccinated army. This takes us back to the British Isles, where innovations in weaponry, like the ability to produce single-piece iron gun barrels, were driving progress. A windfall of wealth was generated, benefiting individuals like John Wilkinson, who was wealthy enough to support his sister Mary's love interest, Joseph Priestley, a scientist fascinated by gases and their properties.

Priestley's experiments with gases, including the creation of carbonated soda water, added another layer to the story. Soda water became popular in the 18th century, offering a more palatable option for consuming mineral-infused spring water believed to have curative powers. This led to the emergence of soda water and even the term "Club Soda."

The path to modern vaccine technology takes us through the invention of the hypodermic syringe needle in the 19th century, which allowed for the direct injection of medicines into muscles. This was followed by the electron microscope, which could visualize extremely tiny structures, including molecules, atoms, and viruses. The electron microscope played a critical role in capturing images of the spike protein on the COVID virus.

The story doesn't end here. It unfolds with the events of World War I, as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, initially intended to be temporary, became a scientific research station for the war effort. This allowed researchers to conduct meteorological observations and study air pressure. This pivotal moment in history played a role in the development of radio telegraphy, contributing to the growth of knowledge and technology.

In the post-war era, Louis De Broglie's work in quantum physics and the ideas presented in Schrödinger's "What Is Life?" sparked the search for an "information molecule" that could encode the instructions for life. This ultimately led to the discovery of DNA, a monumental achievement.

Francis Crick, inspired by Schrödinger's ideas, didn't stop at DNA but also theorized the existence of messenger RNA (mRNA) and the three-letter genetic code found on it. This laid the foundation for the development of mRNA vaccines, which have been transformative in modern medicine.

This complex web of innovations shows that the linear model of a lone genius having a eureka moment is a myth. True innovation is a collaborative process, where ideas from various disciplines, chance connections, and historical events come together in unpredictable ways. It underscores the importance of curiosity and staying open to learning from unexpected sources, as exemplified by the individuals in this intricate tale of innovation.