2007-10-02

Quotes on Innovation

In a nice article Everything that can be invented has been invented in the blog Wannabe Economist we find some remarkable quotes showing the common tendency of underestimation of innovation:
A Boeing engineer, after the first flight of the 247, a twin engine plane that carried ten people.
"There will never be a bigger plane built."

Decca executive, 1962, after turning down the Beatles.
"We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out."

Margaret Thatcher, 1974
"It will be years--not in my time--before a woman will become Prime Minister."

Business Week, August 2, 1968
"With over 50 foreign cars already on sale here, the Japanese auto industry isn't likely to carve out a big slice of the US market."

Popular Mechanics, 1949
"Computers may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."

Ken Olson, president of Digital Equipment Corp. 1977
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."

Western Union memo, 1876
"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication."

H.M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927.
"Who wants to hear actors talk?"

Hewlett Packard excuse to Steve Jobs, who founded Apple Computers instead.
"We don't need you. You haven't got through college yet."