The Great Innovation Epidemic
In the last five years, the word “innovation” has spread like a contagious meme. It’s infiltrated boardrooms, coffee shops, and even family dinners. People now sprinkle it into conversations like confetti at a mediocre party.
Imagine this: You’re at a corporate meeting. The CEO, sporting a tie that screams “I’m serious,” leans forward and declares, “Team, we need more innovation!” Heads nod solemnly, as if they’ve just been handed the secret recipe for eternal youth.
But what does this innovation look like? Well, it’s like a unicorn riding a Segway—a mythical creature trying to keep up with modern technology. The marketing team suggests slapping the word “innovative” on everything: “Introducing our new and innovative stapler! It staples papers with unparalleled zeal!”
Meanwhile, in Silicon Valley, a startup unveils the world’s first “Innovator’s Hat.” It’s a beanie with built-in Wi-Fi, a solar-powered fan, and a holographic unicorn horn. Investors throw money at it, chanting, “Disrupt! Disrupt! Innovate!”
In schools, kids learn about “Innovation 101.” They’re taught to think outside the box, but nobody tells them where the box is or why it’s so darn confining. Little Timmy raises his hand and asks, “Teacher, can I innovate my way out of homework?” The teacher winks and says, “George, that’s the spirit!”
And then there’s the “Innovation Diet.” Forget keto or paleo—this diet involves consuming only foods that have undergone disruptive culinary transformations. Kale chips?
Meaning & it's origin
At its core, innovation is more than a buzzword—it’s a force that reshapes reality. Imagine a potter molding clay into a new form, a scientist devising a ground breaking theory, or an entrepreneur disrupting an entire industry. That’s innovation—the art of introducing something novel, whether it’s a sleek gadget, a game-changing process, or a fresh perspective.
Our journey begins with the Latin verb “innovare” meaning “to change” or “to renew.” Picture ancient scholars huddled over scrolls, pondering how to improve their world. They coined “innovatio,” blending “in-” (into) with “novus” (new).
Innovatio – in – novus (innovation) – blending into new
And just like that, innovation was born. Its first recorded appearance in English dates back to the 1500s—a whisper of possibility that would echo through the ages.