Jonathan Safran Foer Quotes

Because we imagine, we can have invention and technology. It's actually play, not necessity, that is the mother of invention.

I think we always move from imitation to assimilation to innovation, but I can't name you 20 people outside those we've already recognized who ever got to point three: innovation.

What makes our world so fascinating is that continuously there are novel and creative ideas spurring people to leave old ways and try something new.

Creativity is a renewable resource. Challenge yourself every day. Be as creative as you like, as often as you want, because you can never run out. Experience and curiosity drive us to make unexpected, offbeat connections. It is these nonlinear steps that often lead to the greatest work.

If Thomas Edison had gone to business school, we would all be reading by larger candles.

The first time you do something, it's science. The second time, it's engineering. The third time, it's just being a technician. I'm a scientist. Once I do something, I want to do something else.

I'm interested in new worlds, new universes, new challenges. I always said the only reason to make a film is not for the result but for what you learn for the next one.

Fundamental research is needed to make progress, which you cannot do solely by copying others. If you only do applied research, you quickly lose creativity.

Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father.

Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.

As I see it, whoever's doing the inventing is also doing most of the learning - and probably having most of the fun.

Creativity has always depended on openness and flexibility, so let us hope for more of both in the future.

I like change, like anybody. You don't want to keep doing the same thing because then it gets harder to take chances, be creative, and feel inspired when you're doing the same thing.

Every great inspiration is but an experiment - though every experiment we know, is not a great inspiration.

The difference between being able to understand something and inventing it in the first place... is called genius.

From stoplights to skyscrapers, turn anywhere in civilization and you will see imagination at work. It's in our inventions, advances and remedies and how a single parent masterminds each day. Imagination is boundless, surrounds us and resides in us all.

I decided to be an inventor when I was five. My parents had given me a few various enrichment toys like erector sets, and for some reason I had the idea that if I put things together just the right way, I could create the intended effect.

I'm always interested in what you can do with technology that people haven't thought of doing yet. I think that's sort of a characteristic of the way I've worked ever since I started.

Doubt is the father of invention.

I'm into creating something that I've never created before.

There are no rules. That is how art is born, how breakthroughs happen. Go against the rules or ignore the rules. That is what invention is about.

Creative thinking inspires ideas. Ideas inspire change.

There are many men now living who were in the habit of using the age-old expression: 'It is as impossible as flying.' The discoveries in physical science, the triumphs in invention, attest the value of the process of trial and error. In large measure, these advances have been due to experimentation.

Invention breeds invention.

For one person who is blessed with the power of invention, many will always be found who have the capacity of applying principles.