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In an interview from the 1980s, Steve Jobs shared a fascinating insight about human efficiency and the power of tools. He recalled an article from Scientific American in the early 1970s that compared the efficiency of locomotion across various species. The study measured the energy required for different animals to travel a certain distance. Birds, fish, goats, humans—each was evaluated for its energy efficiency.
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The condor, a large bird known for its soaring flight, topped the list as the most efficient creature. Humans, on the other hand, ranked unimpressively about a third of the way down. This might have been disheartening, but the story didn’t end there. Someone decided to test human efficiency again, this time with a bicycle.
The result was astonishing: a human on a bicycle outperformed the condor by twice as much, soaring past all other creatures in the efficiency ranking. This experiment highlighted a profound truth about human potential. As Jobs put it, it showcased "man's ability as a toolmaker to fashion a tool that can amplify an inherent ability that he has."
This concept of leveraging tools to amplify human capabilities is central to much of technological innovation. Jobs often referred to computers as "bicycles for the mind," emphasizing that, like bicycles, computers extend our natural abilities and help us achieve more with less effort.
Walt Disney, another visionary entrepreneur, had a similar perspective on innovation and creativity. Disney once said,
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."
This relentless curiosity drives us to create tools and technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Consider the case of Thomas Edison and the invention of the electric light bulb. Before Edison, artificial lighting was provided by gas lamps, which were inefficient and hazardous. Edison's invention not only made lighting more efficient and safe but also transformed the way people lived and worked, extending the day into night and increasing productivity.
Another example is the story of the Wright brothers, who used their understanding of bicycles to solve the problem of controlled flight. Their knowledge of balance and control from cycling directly contributed to their success in creating the first powered airplane. Like the bicycle in the Scientific American study, the airplane became a tool that dramatically amplified human capability, allowing us to traverse the skies.
Steve Jobs’ analogy of the bicycle for the mind encapsulates the essence of human innovation. Our greatest achievements often come from our ability to create tools that enhance our natural abilities. Whether it’s a bicycle, a computer, or an airplane, these innovations enable us to reach new heights and expand our horizons.
Jobs' reflection on human ingenuity is a reminder of our potential to overcome limitations through creativity and tool-making. It’s a call to embrace curiosity and continue innovating, knowing that the tools we create today will empower us to achieve even greater things tomorrow.
Listen to Steve Jobs: