Remarkable Cases On Necessity Is The Mother Of Inventions

The ‘Queen of Crime’, Lady Mallowan, the best-selling fiction writer of all time - with sales topping up to 2 billion copies, Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, who with all those accolades, surprisingly, didn't believe in the saying that: necessity is the mother of invention. On one or more occasions she was quoted as saying: ‘I don't think necessity is the mother of invention. Invention, in my opinion, arises directly from idleness, possibly also from laziness - to save oneself trouble.’


Still wondering about that, She was not alone but had great company on the opposite side. Alfred North Whitehead, the defining figure in both Mathematics and the Philosophical School, also didn't believe. Whitehead went further in supporting Agatha Christie's opinion by expanding more with these words: ‘Inventive genius requires pleasurable mental activity as a condition for its vigorous exercise. "Necessity is the mother of invention" is a silly proverb. "Necessity is the mother of futile dodges" is much closer to the truth. The basis of growth of modern invention is science, and science is almost wholly the outgrowth of pleasurable intellectual curiosity.’ And there’re countless others who nod ‘yes’ to that kind of thinking.


But the persistent application of that saying in modern society proves that there is some undeniable truthfulness in the said old adage. There’re a lot of cases to support in favor of the argument rather than the contrary. This article is going to present a few remarkable cases of necessity-driven innovations and we'll conclude that: necessity is truly the mother of inventions.



Let’s go back to its background story. The saying "necessity is the mother of invention" is believed to have originated from the Roman poet Plautus. He wrote in his play "Asinaria" (The Comedy of Asses) "Necessity is the mother of invention" which means that when people are faced with a problem or a need, they will come up with creative solutions to meet that need.


The phrase highlights the idea that when people are in dire need of something, they will find a way to make it happen no matter what. This phrase has been around for centuries, and it implies that when people are in a situation of urgency, they will come up with new and innovative ideas to solve the problem at hand. The fight-or-flight physiological response is one example of solving problems, urgently. This is the automatic reaction that occurs in the situation of a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.


The saying emphasizes the power of human ingenuity and how it is driven by the need to survive, improve, and evolve. It reflects the idea that when people are in difficult situations, they will find ways to overcome them. This process of overcoming difficulties can lead to new ideas, technologies, and solutions.


The phrase "necessity is the mother of invention" is relevant today, not just in technology but in all aspects of life, and it is used to express the idea that problems or obstacles can lead to creative solutions, progress, and advancement.

Smartphones: Necessity-Driven Innovations:

For your information, the smartphone is one popular product today created out of necessity. The first smartphones were designed in the early 1990s, but they didn't become mainstream until the early 2000s. The need for a device that could make phone calls, send messages, and access the internet on the go, led to the development of the modern-day smartphone.

Before the invention of smartphones, people had to carry multiple devices with them, such as a cell phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), and a laptop. The need for a single device that could perform all of these functions led to the creation of the smartphone. The first smartphones combined the functionality of a cell phone with the capabilities of a PDA, such as email, calendar, and internet access.


Over time, the capabilities of smartphones have expanded to include a wide range of features, such as GPS navigation, social media, and mobile banking. Today, smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life for many people, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones, access information, and complete tasks on the go.


The development of smartphones was driven by the need for a more convenient and efficient way to communicate and access information. The success of the smartphone is a perfect example of how the saying "necessity is the mother of invention" applies in the technology industry. Smartphones have become a necessity for many people, and it has changed the way we live and communicate. According to Statista, the number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide, as of 2023, surpassed six billion and is forecast to grow further. The data showed that this is equivalent to almost 85 percent of the world’s population. Frankly speaking, it’s impossible for a worthless device to attain such high usage. The inference is - the smartphone is truly essential for everyday life and almost everyone needs it.

"Necessity is the Mother of Innovation: A Comedic Take"

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But when life gives you a pandemic, you make a face mask out of a t-shirt. Ha ha ha! Necessity truly is the mother of innovation, and you know what, 2020 has been a year for necessities.


But before we dive into the world of COVID-19 innovation, let's take a look back at the history of necessity-driven innovation. We all know that cavemen discovered the fire after rubbing two sticks together for hours on end, but did you know that the wheel was also a necessity-driven invention? The cavemen (and women) were tired of carrying heavy rocks and boulders on their backs, so they came up with the brilliant idea of putting the rocks on a circular object and rolling it instead. Genius isn’t it?

Fast forward to the 21st century, and necessity is still pushing us to come up with new and creative solutions. The pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we live and work, leading to innovation in remote learning, telemedicine, and contactless payment systems.

But let's not forget the more lighthearted innovations born out of necessity. With the rise of Zoom fatigue, people have gotten creative with their virtual backgrounds, from tropical beaches to outer space. And let's not forget the "quarantine haircut" trend, with many taking the scissors to their own hair in the absence of salon visits.

"Zoom Backgrounds: A Necessity-Driven Innovation"

The pandemic has also led to a rise in remote work, which in turn has led to an increase in Zoom meetings. And with so many Zoom meetings comes Zoom fatigue. To combat the monotony of staring at the same four walls, people have taken to spicing up their virtual backgrounds. From tropical beaches to city skylines, the possibilities are endless. Thanks to the necessity of remote work, we now have the ability to take a virtual vacation during our workday.


Necessity truly is the mother of innovation. From the wheel to the toilet paper bidet, history has shown us that when faced with a problem, humans will come up with a solution. So when life gives you a pandemic, make sure to think outside the box and come up with a solution that not only solves the problem but also improves our lives in some way.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention in the Context of Artificial Intelligence:

One notable and profound example of the saying "necessity is the mother of innovation" in the context of artificial intelligence technology is the development of deep learning. Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning that involves the use of neural networks with multiple layers or "deep" layers, to process and analyze large amounts of data.


Before the advent of deep learning, traditional machine learning algorithms were limited in their ability to process and make sense of large, complex datasets. However, with the explosion of data in fields such as image and speech recognition, the necessity for more powerful and sophisticated algorithms became apparent.


Researchers and engineers in the field of artificial intelligence began to develop and refine deep learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), which have the capability to process large amounts of data and learn patterns and features that would have been impossible for traditional machine learning algorithms to detect.


As a result, deep learning has been able to achieve breakthroughs in a variety of applications such as image classification, natural language processing, and speech recognition. The necessity to process large amounts of data and to improve the performance of AI systems led to the development of deep learning, which has had a profound impact on the field of artificial intelligence and has led to many new innovations and advances. 

One notable example of these advances is the AI-powered chatbot launched by OpenAI, which in late 2022 it took the internet by storm. The viral ChatGPT as it is famously known still has multiple limitations, but nevertheless, it can excellently mimic human-like conversation, and the users of the system reported that it has the ability to do copywriting, write essays, code computer programs, compose music, fairy tales, poems, and much much more. To some extent, these are the fruits of deep learning invention.

Atomic Bomb: Necessity-Driven Invention:

As said before, "Necessity is the mother of invention" is a phrase that is often used to describe how difficult situations or challenges can lead to the development of new and innovative solutions. During World War II, the United States found itself in a race against time to develop the atomic bomb before Germany could do so. The Germans were thought to be ahead in the race, but under the guidance of scientist Albert Einstein, the Americans were able to successfully develop the atomic bomb in just a few years.


Einstein, who was a refugee from Nazi Germany, alerted the US government to the potential of nuclear weapons and the possibility that Germany was working on developing them. This prompted the US government to launch the Manhattan Project, a top-secret research and development program aimed at creating an atomic bomb before Germany could.


The Manhattan Project brought together some of the best minds in science and engineering, including physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led the project. They worked tirelessly to develop the bomb, using the latest technologies and techniques available at the time. The project was extremely successful, and the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945 in a test code-named Trinity.


The atomic bomb played a crucial role in bringing an end to the war. In the same year 1945, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, respectively, resulted in the deaths of more than 200,000 people, but it also forced Japan to surrender and ultimately ended the war.


To summarise, necessity was the mother of invention in this case as the potential of nuclear weapons was known and that, the Germans were thought to be ahead in the race of developing it, Einstein's warning prompted the US government to launch the Manhattan Project, a top-secret research and development program which brought together some of the best minds in science and engineering. The project was extremely successful and the atomic bomb played a crucial role in bringing an end to the war.

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The Optimistic View In The Saying: Never Say Never

Unknown (United Press International), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The saying - Never Say Never - is a hypocritical statement. Why? Because it commits the sin it forbids. It restricts its readers by using the same word 'never' it advises being avoided. In this way, the expression has already said the forbidden word 'never' when saying: never say never! In other words, we can say that it doesn't practice what it preaches. Nevertheless, those hypocritical shortfalls mean nothing compared to the massive benefits of the optimistic view learned from the phrase, and in this article, we'll delve to argue in favor of it.

Sir Roger Bannister and the Limitless Human Potential: A Never Say Never Prototype

On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister made history by becoming the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. On that day when the announcer declared that the time was 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds, the cheers and uproar from the crowd of onlookers went wild in such a way that the last words of the announcer were not heard. This achievement was a monumental moment in the world of sports around the world and proved that the impossible was indeed possible. Prior to Bannister's record-breaking run, many experts believed that it was physically impossible for a human being to run a mile in under four minutes. However, Bannister's accomplishment shattered this belief and opened the door for others to follow in his footsteps and he instantly became a never-say-never prototype.

Fast forward, on 12 October 2019, in the city of Vienna, Austria, a Kenyan legend, Eliud Kipchoge made history by being the first human in history to run a sub-two-hour in an unofficial marathon race. Kipchoge ran a 42.195 KM distance in a remarkable time of 1 hour 59 minutes and 40.2 seconds. Kipchoge's mantra has been always that: 'No Human Is Limited'. And here's what he said after becoming the first ever person to run a marathon in under two hours, 'It's a great feeling to make history in sports after Sir Roger Bannister in 1954. I'm the happiest man in the world to be the first human to run in under two hours and I can tell people that No Human Is Limited. I expect more people all over the world to run under two hours after today.' Up until 2023, Kipchoge holds a record of running four out of six fastest marathons in history.

Sir Roger Bannister's and other athletes' achievement serves as a powerful reminder that we should never say never when it comes to our limitless potential. Their determination and hard work proved that with the right mindset and training, we can accomplish things that were once thought of by experts as impossible. And surprisingly, those close to Bannister, said he achieved that with minimal training as he was spending much time in his neurologist profession. He was only intensifying training when competition arrived. And it's worth noting that, he did set a personal goal to be the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. Henceforth, Bannister's record-breaking run was not only a triumph for him personally, but it also showed that human potential is indeed limitless.

In the years following Bannister's achievement, many runners have broken his record, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of human potential. In fact, his record was broken down 46 days later by his rival athlete, John Landy. But his determination and perseverance continue to inspire people to push themselves to new heights and to never give up on their dreams.

Bannister's achievements and other heroes teach us that we should never underestimate our own abilities. With hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, we can accomplish great things. So, let us take inspiration from Roger Bannister and other heroes and never say never when it comes to our own limitless potential and believe we can command success regardless of what we're going through.

Roger Bannister's achievement in breaking the 4-minute mile is a testament to limitless human potential. It teaches us that with dedication and perseverance, we can achieve the impossible. Let's again take inspiration from Bannister's legacy and strive to push ourselves to new heights in all dimensions of our own lives.

The Power of Positive and Possibility Thinking: Why You Should Never Say Never:

National Gallery of Ireland, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever heard the saying "never say never"? It's a phrase that encourages us to keep an open mind and stay optimistic, no matter what challenges we may face. But why psychologists are saying it is so important to adopt this mindset?

First of all, let's look at the flip side of the phrase: saying "never" is essentially giving up on something before we've even given it a chance. It's like declaring defeat before we've even entered the battle. This kind of negative thinking can be incredibly damaging to our goals and aspirations.

On the other hand, by refusing to say "never," we are leaving room for the possibility of success. We are telling ourselves that anything is possible and that we should never give up on our dreams. This kind of optimism can be incredibly powerful and can help us overcome even the most difficult of obstacles. Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington who is known for defeating the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo, was quoted as saying: 'Victory is the ability to fight five minutes longer than any other army in the world.'

But it's not just about staying positive for the sake of it. When we adopt an "anything is possible" mentality, we are more likely to take action toward our goals. We are more willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to achieve success because we know it is within our reach.

So the next time you find yourself thinking "I could never do that," remember that you are much more capable than you give yourself credit for. Don't let negative thoughts hold you back – embrace the power of "never say never" and go out there and make your dreams a reality!

The Sky's the Limit: How 'Never Say Never' Can Help You Achieve Your Goals:

It's easy to get caught up in the negativity of the world – to believe that our dreams are out of reach and that we will never be able to accomplish what we truly desire. But this kind of thinking is not only damaging to our motivation and self-esteem, but it is also simply not true based on humanity's record-breaking historic achievements.

As the saying goes, "never say never." This phrase encourages us to keep an open mind and stay optimistic, no matter the challenges we might face. By refusing to say "never," we are telling ourselves that anything is possible and that we should never give up on our goals.

But it's not just about being positive for the sake of it. When we adopt an "anything is possible" mentality, we are more likely to take action toward our goals. We are more willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to achieve success because we know that it is within our reach.

Never Say Never in the Context of Football Game:

PeeJay, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Line-ups for the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final between AC Milan and Liverpool FC at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey on 25 May 2005.

One notable example in the world of football that demonstrates the truth of the saying "never say never" is the match between Liverpool and AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final.

Going into the match, Liverpool was considered the underdogs, with many people doubting their ability to come out on top against the strong and successful AC Milan team. But in a stunning turn of events, Liverpool managed to come from behind and win the match, with a final score of 3-3 (Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties).

This is how the match unfolded. AC Milan's Maldini volleyed in the fastest final goal in first minute of the game. 39' minutes later Crespo scored from a lighting-quick counter attack. Then one minute before half-time, Crespo scored again in the 44' minute. Up to the half-time the scoreboard read Liverpool 0 - 3 AC Milan. By all counts, it was considered the gameover. 

But the dramatic comeback started to take shape in the 54' minute when Liverpool's Gerrard headed in Riise's cross to score the first goal for Liverpool. Then the next six minutes is the time which AC Milan will never forget because, in the 56' minutes, Smicer's low drive evaded past Dida and hit the back of the net to make 2 goals for Liverpool. Then the pitch drama was completed at 60' minutes when Alonso scored from a penalty rebound to make the scoreboard read Liverpool 3 - 3 AC Milan.

The scores remained the same during the extra time. Then the winner was decided by taking the penalty shootouts. Ultimately, Liverpool won 3-2 after Shevchenko's penalty was saved by Liverpool's goalkeeper Dudek. 

This match often referred to as the "Miracle of Istanbul," is a prime example of why it is so important to never say never. The Liverpool team never gave up, even when they were trailing by three goals in the second half. They kept fighting and pushing forward, believing that they could still come out on top. And in the end, their determination and refusal to give up paid off in a miraculous victory.

This match serves as a reminder that no matter how unlikely it may seem, anything is possible if you never give up and always keep pushing forward. As the saying goes, "never say never" – you never know what amazing things you may be able to accomplish if you adopt it in your mindset. 

Never Say Never: A Lesson from the Prophet Elisha and the Skeptical King's Officer:

In the biblical story of Elisha and the King's officer in 2 Kings 6:24-7:19, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude, no matter what challenges we may face. This story is a great demonstration of the saying: never say never.

The King's officer, it seems, was a bit of a skeptic. When Elisha prophesied that the prices of flour and barley would significantly decrease the next day, the officer was having none of it. "That could not happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!" he declared. By implication he was saying - never! 

He confidently declared that because on that day in Samaria's markets, as the severity of the famine escalated, the donkey's head was sold for eight pieces of silver, and a cup of dove's dung was sold for five pieces of silver. On the other hand, Elisha prophesied that the next day, seven liters of choice flour will be sold for only one piece of silver and fourteen liters of barley grain will be sold also for the same - only one piece of silver.

Elisha was not discouraged by the officer's negative thinking. "You'll see it happen with your own eyes," he responded, "but you won't be able to eat any of it." Oh snap! Elisha was not about to let a little thing like skepticism get in the way of his positive attitude and belief in the power of his prophecy. He believed that since his prophecy was backed up by the LORD himself, then it will certainly happen no matter how unlikely it may seem.

And as it turns out, Elisha was right. The prices of flour and barley did significantly decrease the next day, just as he had said. The moral of the story? Don't be like the skeptical King's officer – embrace the power of "never say never" and stay positive and optimistic, no matter what challenges may come your way. Who knows what amazing things you may be able to accomplish with your unwavering faith?

So the next time you think, "I could never do that," remember that the sky is the limit and that you are much more capable than you give yourself credit for. Don't let negative thoughts hold you back – embrace the power of "never say never" and go out there and make your dreams a reality!

Here's the recorded YouTube video depicting the historic moment when Sir Roger Bannister ran a mile in under four minutes and set a new world record. The interesting thing about this video clip is that the voiceover of the video's commentary was narrated by the man himself: Sir Roger Bannister.

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This Is Why Wisdom Is Mightier Than Strength

David Vs. Goliath

The most authoritative book in the literature of wisdom, The Proverbs, which is attributed to the wisest man to ever live - King Solomon - declared the following maxim about the wise and the strong: “The wise man is more powerful than the strong, and the man of knowledge adds to his strength.” (Proverb 24:5, NCB). 

In response to that passage of scripture, I have composed a poem in order to try to elaborate on its message.  

Wisdom is Mightier than Strength - A Poem:

Wisdom, the mightiest force of all

It conquers mountains, breaks through walls

A weapon stronger than swords or shields

It breaks the chains that bind and yield

Might may make men seem great and grand

But it's wisdom that commands the land

It guides us through life's stormy seas

A light that shines with elegance and ease

In wisdom we find a strength divine

A power that is truly intertwined

With knowledge and understanding deep

It helps us climb and never sleep

So let us seek wisdom in all we do

For it will guide us, strong and true

And though we may not be the mightiest of men

We will be rich in knowledge, and wise within

Wisdom is Mightier than Strength in the Context of the Corporate World:

In the cutthroat world of multi-national corporate, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of power and strength. We're told that we need to be the biggest, the baddest, the most dominant player in our field in order to succeed. But is that really true?

Before I delve into the analysis, the above claim is not an exaggeration, to prove my point, take a look at the following summary of the popular 16th-century political treatise by the Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli called ‘The Prince’. 

JoJan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 (Niccolò Machiavelli (3 May 1469 – 21 June 1527) was a Florentine statesman, political philosopher, historian, musician, poet, and comedic playwright. Statue by Lorenzo Bartolini outside the Uffizi, Florence.)

The summary: The book is about how a prince should rule and is based on Machiavelli's personal experience as a diplomat in Renaissance Italy. The main message of the book is that a prince should be willing to use any means necessary to maintain power and control, even if it means acting immorally or brutally. Machiavelli argued that the ends justify the means and that it is better for a prince to be feared than loved. He believed that the most important characteristic of a successful ruler is the ability to maintain power and that a ruler should do whatever it takes to keep control, even if it means going against traditional moral and ethical codes.

Now, let’s get back to our objective analysis, and to start with we’ll dissect the business sector in the corporate game. As it turns out, wisdom might just be the ultimate secret weapon in this fierce game. Here's why:

• Wisdom allows us to make better decisions. Sure, brute force can sometimes get us what we want in the short term. But over the long haul, it's the ability to think critically and make sound decisions that really pays off. Wisdom helps us avoid costly mistakes, navigate tricky situations, and make the best choices for ourselves and our businesses.

• Wisdom attracts the right people. It's not just about being the strongest person in the room - it's about having the right team around you. And people are naturally drawn to those who exude wisdom and intelligence. When you're the smartest person in the room, people will want to work with you, learn from you, and follow your lead.

• Wisdom helps us adapt to change. In the business world, things are always changing. Markets shift, technologies evolve, and new competitors emerge. Wisdom helps us stay nimble and adapt to these changes, rather than being left behind. It's a crucial skill to have in today's fast-paced world.

So next time you're tempted to clench your fist, flex your muscles and show off your strength, remember that wisdom might just be the better route to success. It might not be as flashy, but it will get you exactly where you want to go in the long run.

Wisdom is Mightier than Strength in the Biblical Context:

One example of wisdom being mightier than strength can be found in the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. In this story, the Philistines and Israelites are at war, and the Philistines send out their champion, Goliath, to challenge the Israelites to a one-on-one fight. Goliath is a giant of a man, strong and formidable, while the Israelites are afraid and unable to find a worthy champion to fight him.

However, a young shepherd named David volunteers to take on Goliath. Despite his small size and lack of military training, David trusts in the Lord and uses his wisdom to defeat Goliath. He chooses to fight with a slingshot and stone, rather than a sword, and uses his knowledge of the terrain to his advantage. In the end, David's wisdom and faith in God triumph over Goliath's physical strength, and he emerges victorious.

This story demonstrates that wisdom and faith can be more powerful than physical strength and military might. It also shows the importance of using one's gifts and resources wisely, rather than relying solely on brute force or fragile human strength.

The Tale of Two People: The Wise and the Strong:

The right image is adapted by permission of Senivpetro on Freepik

Two people were tasked with cutting down a large tree using an axe within three hours. One was strong, while the other was wise. As soon as the timer started, the strong one immediately began chopping away, relying on his physical strength to get the job done. However, his axe was dull and he didn't take the time to sharpen it before starting. After two hours of labor, he had only managed to cut a quarter of the tree trunk. As time passed, he became increasingly exhausted and the task became more and more difficult.

On the other hand, the wise one didn't start right away. Instead, he took some time to come up with a strategic plan for how to tackle the task effectively. He spent half an hour drawing up his plan and another hour sharpening the axe. Once satisfied with the sharp edge of the axe, he made his first stroke on the tree trunk when there was just half the time left. It only took him half an hour to bring down the entire tree and he finished with an hour to spare. He used the remaining time to treat himself to some refreshments as a reward for a job well done.

Meanwhile, the strong one was still struggling as time went on. By this point, even lifting his axe to make a stroke had become a burden. When the time was up, he had only managed to cut half of the tree trunk and had failed to complete the task. This scenario demonstrates that wisdom is indeed mightier than strength.

Here's a YouTube video translated from Russian to English by Kate Bochevar which depicts situations where wisdom showed to be much stronger than physical strength. There's an interesting story on how classical philosopher Archimedes protected his city from military invasion by applying the knowledge of his wisdom.

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