Both assessments contain a lot of truth, but there is more to it than that. There falls a shadow, as T. S. Eliot noted, between the conception and the creation. In the annals of innovation, new ideas are only part of the equation. Execution is just as important.
The quote highlights the complexity of the innovation process, emphasizing that the journey from idea to execution is often fraught with challenges. Both idea generation and effective implementation must be balanced for true innovation to occur. T. S. Eliot's reflection on the gap between conception and creation captures this ongoing struggle faced by inventors and creators.
Walter Isaacson, in his biography of Steve Jobs, underscores that successful innovation requires more than just groundbreaking ideas; it necessitates precise execution and commitment to bringing those ideas to fruition. The road to innovation involves not only creativity but also the determination to navigate the obstacles that arise during development.