Andreas Wagner, a biochemist at the University of Zürich, is fascinated by evolution – from molecules to species to ideas. He knows that random mutations in DNA are the engine of evolution, but he’s interested in deeper questions: which mutations succeed, and why? In his latest book, Sleeping Beauties: The Mystery of Dormant Innovations in Nature and Culture, he argues that “where” and “when” might be more important questions than “why.”
Wagner believes that innovation is not rare or precious, but frequent and cheap. Genetic mutations are constantly churning out molecular changes, but most of them are ultimately detrimental to the organism that harbors them. However, some neutral mutations may become beneficial millions of years later when conditions change. These are the sleeping beauties of the title, just lying there, unknowingly waiting to be awoken by a kiss from Prince Charming.
Evolution is not an upward progression toward an ultimate goal. Natural selection works through survival of the fittest, and the fittest depends as much on external circumstances as on any innate merit. Wagner places capabilities like reading, writing, and math alongside traits like antibiotic resistance. Our brains didn’t create these skills afresh; all of the neural structures that enable them were in place for millennia. These sleeping beauties just weren’t awoken and put to those particular purposes until external circumstances rendered them beneficial.
Wagner also insists that analogies themselves are sleeping beauties – our brains’ ability to link seemingly unrelated concepts can “help explain why our culture overflows with innovations.” He uses analogies and metaphors as indicators of the human capacity for abstract thought – our ability to make connections in our brains between things that are not obviously connected in reality.
Wagner ends with advice for would-be innovators: listen to the world to find out what it wants, then provide it. Alternatively, generate the environment that your creation needs to succeed. That may be the mark of true genius.
In the modern world, technological advances have come to play a significant role in our day to day lives. We are surrounded by tools, resources and ideas that can help make our lives easier and more efficient, yet many of these key developments remain unused or disregarded. There are various reasons why this is the case, but one of the most important is that these developments do not always take into account the importance of context. This article will discuss why context is so important when considering the use of new developments, and why it is necessary for us to be aware of these contextual factors in order to make the most effective use of these advancements.
The term “context” has many interpretations but, for the purpose of this article, it is defined as the environment in which an event or development takes place. It is critical to note that context not only has an impact on the success of a technology, but it can also be a deciding factor in whether or not it is even embraced in the first place.
For example, consider a new technology for agricultural purposes. The technology may be highly advanced and provide numerous benefits, however, if the available resources or existing processes within the agricultural industry are not conducive to its implementation, then it is likely to remain unused. This is due to the fact that the context of the development must be examined before it can be effectively used: access to resources, financial viability, existing regulations and so on.
Context isn’t just important for the success of new technologies, but for the understanding of its value amongst potential users also. People tend to place more value on something if it is personally relevant and applicable to their own circumstances. For example, if a farmer from a rural area is presented with a new agricultural technology, they will likely respond more favourably if they are convinced that the technology meets their needs and solves their problems. This is why in any given situation, it is important to understand and acknowledge the existing context beforehand in order to properly assess the value of any new technology.
It is therefore clear that context is of the utmost importance when we look at key developments and advancements. Without a proper understanding of the external factors that may influence their success or failure, we run the risk of not making the most effective use of these opportunities. It is essential that we recognize the importance of context and be aware of the various contextual factors in order for us to properly assess the value of a new development.
