A Technique for Producing Ideas

In this stage you have to take your little idea out into the world of reality. And when you do you usually find that it is not quite the marvelous child it seemed when you first gave birth to it.

an idea is nothing more nor less than a new combination of old elements.

The materials which must be gathered are of two kinds: they are specific and they are general.

Art of Thought

Gathering raw material

the specific materials are those relating to the product and the people to whom you propose to sell it.

In learning any art the important things to learn are, first, Principles; and second, Method. This is true of the art of producing ideas.

creative thinker.

The second important principle involved is that the capacity to bring old elements into new combinations, depends largely on the ability to see relationships.

So when you reach this third stage in the production of an idea, drop the problem completely, and, turn to whatever stimulates your emotions. Listen to music, go to the theatre or movies, read poetry or a detective story.