7 ms·

That's a pretty lame thesis. By that logic we should see the most innovation coming out of the worst places on earth. How's that innovation coming out of the

by crusso 14y ago

That's a pretty lame thesis. By that logic we should see the most innovation coming out of the worst places on earth. How's that innovation coming out of the Sudan going? Lots of things that suck there that could be fixed. What, Greece doesn't have a load of problems that should drive innovation? America has a culture of individualism, problem solving, and allowing those who solve problems to keep the spoils of their market victories.

joewee 14y ago
Of course, education, immigration and a legal framework without a high degree of fraud are also important. I don't think individualism would be a major factor.
- CapitalistCartr 14y ago
  Change, including solutions, comes from an unwillingness to adapt oneself to the status quo. Innovation is abhorrent to conformity, and conformity puts a deathly pallor on creativity. A tolerance for quirkiness is essential, embracing it is better.
- irreverentbits 14y ago
  > I don't think individualism would be a major factor. There are many countries which satisfy your former criteria yet lack this; none of them have the same innovation economy that the United States possesses.
  - joewee 14y ago
    I can concede this. I don't really know the answer. But individualism alone doesn't seem to be enough. Their are plenty of artist and individualist in Germany which has a very large art culture. Would Germany be considered one of the more innovative countries in the world?
Anon84 14y ago
There's a fair ammount of (necessity-inspired) innovation coming out of Africa: http://www.economist.com/node/21560912 http://www.economist.com/node/21560912
yen223 14y ago
Maybe America sucks just enough for there to be problems to innovate, while still being able to support said innovators.
Apocryphon 14y ago
Haven't you seen all of the news stories about Indian firms trying to make cheaper smartphones, tablets, and low-gas smartcars?
deleted 14y ago
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by crusso 14y ago

joewee 14y ago

Of course, education, immigration and a legal framework without a high degree of fraud are also important. I don't think individualism would be a major factor.

CapitalistCartr 14y ago
Change, including solutions, comes from an unwillingness to adapt oneself to the status quo. Innovation is abhorrent to conformity, and conformity puts a deathly pallor on creativity. A tolerance for quirkiness is essential, embracing it is better.
irreverentbits 14y ago
> I don't think individualism would be a major factor. There are many countries which satisfy your former criteria yet lack this; none of them have the same innovation economy that the United States possesses.
- joewee 14y ago
  I can concede this. I don't really know the answer. But individualism alone doesn't seem to be enough. Their are plenty of artist and individualist in Germany which has a very large art culture. Would Germany be considered one of the more innovative countries in the world?

Anon84 14y ago

There's a fair ammount of (necessity-inspired) innovation coming out of Africa: http://www.economist.com/node/21560912 http://www.economist.com/node/21560912

yen223 14y ago

Maybe America sucks just enough for there to be problems to innovate, while still being able to support said innovators.

Apocryphon 14y ago

Haven't you seen all of the news stories about Indian firms trying to make cheaper smartphones, tablets, and low-gas smartcars?

deleted 14y ago

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