Embed Notice

My father had a principle that was both opposite and similar: when you think up a great new idea, you must try and understand why it was not put into practice earlier, and the answer can't be "because everyone since time immemorial has been an idiot".
Sometimes there is a satisfying answer, like: buildings couldn't have such a shape before the advent of reinforced concrete. If you really can't find an answer, assume it's a half-baked idea at best, because you're missing something.