One of my favorite quotes comes from Albert Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Such an incisive thought for marketers, as it is so easy for all of us to fall into the trap of the comfortable and the familiar when we deal with professional challenge.
Finally, I have read a wonderful book about the man whose name is synonymous with genius, “Einstein, His Life and Universe,” by Walter Isaacson.
Some things never change. Just like in high school physics, my eyes start glazing over when reading passages on Einstein’s theories. I need a book to explain the book. But the man’s fascinating life, mind and personality jump off the page. As much philosopher as scientist, many of his quotes could apply to marketing research and innovation.
“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?”
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
“Information is not knowledge.”
“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”
There are so many more. But next to “insanity,” I think my new favorite just might be:
“Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”
