There is an inspiring lesson in how Kilby and Noyce personally handled the question of who invented the microchip. They were both decent people; they came from tight-knit small communities in the Midwest and were well grounded. Unlike Shockley, they did not suffer from a toxic mix of ego and insecurity. Whenever the topic of credit for the invention came up, each was generous in praising the contributions of the other. It soon became accepted to give them joint credit and refer to them as coinventors.
The story of Kilby and Noyce illustrates a valuable lesson in humility and collaboration in innovation. Originating from close-knit Midwestern communities, both inventors demonstrated integrity and mutual respect, contrasting sharply with the ego-driven behavior of their contemporaries. They handled the issue of credit for the microchip invention gracefully, supporting and acknowledging each other's contributions rather than letting pride cloud their recognition.
This camaraderie led to a widespread acceptance of their joint contributions, allowing them to be recognized as co-inventors. Their attitude exemplifies how cooperation and generosity in recognizing others can foster a healthier environment for innovation, setting a positive example for future generations of inventors and creators.
