Why Great Ideas Often Remain Unfollowed
Have you ever wondered why great ideas, despite their potential, don’t always translate into widespread action or success? The answer lies in the subjective nature of greatness and the way societies and human psychology interact with these ideas.
Subjectivity and Objective Reality
The term 'great' is inherently subjective, making it challenging to quantify or universalize. What one person deems as a 'great idea' may hold little meaning or appeal to another. This subjectivity often creates a barrier to its adoption because ideas need a certain level of consensus to gain traction. Beyond sheer originality, ideas must also resonate with the values and beliefs of the masses to be followed.
The Challenge of Immediate Benefits
A common obstacle to the adoption of great ideas is the lack of immediate benefit for the practitioners. Individuals and organizations are often more inclined to pursue short-term gains, driven by the desire for instant gratification. This preference for immediacy can overshadow the long-term potential of a great idea, which might only manifest after a considerable period.
The Golden Rule
To illustrate, consider the renowned Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." While this principle is widely regarded as a fundamental ethical standard, its practical application is often lacking. The vast majority of individuals, whether they claim a religious affiliation or not, struggle to consistently uphold this rule in their daily lives. In many societies, including the United States, the prevailing attitude towards others is often more adversarial, characterized by phrases like "effing you" or "screw you," rather than genuine respect and consideration.
Long-Term Thinking and Immediate Gratification
Long-term thinking, exemplified by the strategic acumen of leaders like Jeff Bezos, is another great idea that faces significant hurdles. Time and patience are often valued less in today's fast-paced, digitized world, where consumers and businesses demand instant results. Despite the undeniable power of compounding and the value of delayed gratification, short-term satisfaction tends to dominate decision-making. This is seen in the case of Tesla, which has consistently failed to generate profit for over a decade but has maintained a market valuation that far exceeds that of traditional automakers like GM.
Examples and Insights
These examples underscore a broader trend: most people operate against their long-term interests, likely due to a combination of unwise decisions and, in some cases, insufficiency of intelligence. The pursuit of immediate benefits often clouds judgment and leads to actions that prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability and prosperity.
Conclusion
The reasons why great ideas often remain unfollowed are multifaceted. Subjectivity in defining greatness, the focus on immediate benefits, and societal preferences for instant gratification all contribute to this phenomenon. Recognizing these challenges and striving to change the narrative towards long-term thinking and ethical practices can help bridge the gap between great ideas and their implementation.
Keywords: great ideas, long-term thinking, instant gratification