It’s commonly believed that science is all about wow-discoveries.
Science historian Thomas Kuhn dispelled that myth. He showed clearly that most scientists are engaged in what he called “normal science.” Their work is to refine, develop, and justify existing ideas, not to discover something radically new.
90+% of scientists are busy with undoubtedly important, but still routine tasks.
And only a small bunch pushes "revolutionary science", which can replace the dominant paradigm today and find a better explanation for the growing wave of anomalous problems.
Noteworthy is the community's despair on the eve of the paradigmatic shift. Wolfgang Pauli wrote to his friend: "At the moment physics is again terribly confused. In any case, it is too difficult for me, and I wish I had been a movie comedian or something of the sort and had never heard of physics."
You see the same dynamic in business. A group of seasoned top managers wrestles with a key problem. They commission deep studies, bring in expensive McKinsey consultants…
Efforts were made, resources spent, time up, but no breakthrough.
Finally, the crisis-awakened founder steps in. At the meeting, he stuns all participants with a "crazy" idea. In response to their horror, he shrugs with a smile: "Why not?"
The founder just sparked a revolution... in their heads.
When the top managers eventually accept the new paradigm, "golden veins" will open, and passion to mine 24/7/365 will seize everyone.
This is an extremely pleasant time, like treading grapes with your feet.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
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