Kilby displayed his awshucks humility. When I hear that kind of thing, he responded, it reminds me of what the beaver told the rabbit as they stood at the base of Hoover Dam: 'No, I didn't build it myself, but it's based on an idea of mine.
Kilby's response reflects his modest nature, indicating that he doesn't take sole credit for his achievements. Instead, he shares a humorous anecdote that highlights collaboration and the sharing of ideas, much like the beaver who acknowledges its contribution to a grand project without claiming complete ownership.
This acknowledgment of teamwork and collective effort is a recurring theme in innovation. Kilby’s humility serves as a reminder that many advancements are built on the ideas of others, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the realm of invention and technology.
