What is a good idea?

“A good idea is one that happens.” This is a very simple, but crucial discovery. Going a step backwards, the generation of an idea starts not earlier than its release from one’s mind.

Paul Arden points out in his book “Whatever you think, think the opposite” that an idea becomes a good idea with its application.

“Ideas are a matter of taste. What is a good idea to some can be bad or boring to others. A good idea is a clever solution to a problem, one that I have never seen before. But if an idea is not taken up and used as a solution to a problem it has no value. It becomes a non-idea. Lying in a drawer it is useless. Worse than useless, it’s a complete waste of space. Ideas have to be applied before they are recognized as good ideas. Even a bad idea executed is better than a good idea undone. The longer it is used the better the idea is considered to be. That is why the wheel is reckoned to be the best idea ever.” (p.88)

The genesis of an idea it is always a thought, a flash of genius inspired by a situation, a dicussion or a string of other thoughts. It does not have to be a solution to a problem, although it can be. An idea starts in one’s mind. At this stage, though, it is not an idea yet. It is just a thought with practical or theoretical potential.

We are told that ideas are forms, such as a thoughts, of our conscious mind. In this sense, we are producing thousands of ideas a day, most of which we loose again. Ideas have to be shared with others to be born. This means, spreading your thought or applying this thought in your life will turn it into a good or a bad idea.

Atoms are in movement and react to their environment all the time. Molecules are built within a blink of an eye. Some of them are stable, some of them are not. Our mind is doing the same with ideas and solutions all the time to keep us alive. Speaking of the concious mind, an idea is only an idea, if it becomes stable, i.e. if it is not sunk into oblivion.

Hence, if someone thinks “I am sure that someone had that idea already once”, he is most problably right. There have been so many bright people on this planet, why should he be the first one who had this briliant sudden inspiration. But still he must not turn away from his thought. It would be much wiser to find out if someone had given birth to that idea or if it was forgotten. He can do that best by releasing his idea from his mind.

As Arden states, just keeping it in his mind would result in throwing an idea away. Sharing it with others will test its potential. Applying it will test its practicability. Arden is right saying that ideas are always a matter of taste. Distinguishing between a good and a bad idea is depending on the point of view, which can change over time as well. If an idea is shared or applied, it is truly an idea, neither good nor bad. But the longer it persists and develops the better it becomes. Make an idea fly. Free it.