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When Darwin first published his theory of evolution and natural selection back in 1859, his ideas were considered controversial and a threat to the established religious, social and political order.

And even till this day — nearly 150 years later — Darwin’s work is still the cause of much controversy.

During a series of experiments in 1875, Thomas Edison was able to send signals between unconnected telegraphic apparatus.

However, when he announced his discovery to the press and scientific community, his findings were met with so much scepticism and controversy, Edison had to abandon his work in this area.

And it wasn’t until he resumed experiments in 1885 that the world realised the phenomenon Edison had originally discovered 10 years earlier was actually radio waves.

More recently, Simon Cowell of X Factor fame has gained worldwide recognition and made a fortune out of being controversial.

So has the pop queen Madonna.

And my question to you is…

If you had an idea that was going to outrage society, would you keep it to yourself or share it?

Wow what a great question, Ade. I must say when I first saw the title of the thread, I initially thought "no" to myself, but even after reading the first sentence of the post, I think I changed my mind.

There are tons of other scientists (ie: Galileo) and other renowned historical figures who had these same "outrageous" ideas that ultimately made them legendary and some of the most influential people to ever walk the earth.

Thus, I`d say, yes I probably would share an idea such as this if I had one.



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Motivation for Entrepreneurs
Entre-Propel.com

I don`t think anyone who comes up with something really new cares much if they`re controversial. Back in Galileo`s day, even Socrates` day, folks like that got killed. But they did it anyway.

Nowadays, you could be jailed, or you just get ruined by the establishment. And people do it anyway.

There`s a common aspect to inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs that they`re pretty much driven by their passion---their idea. It`s one reason many inventions that are horribly destructive get invented anyway.

When someone notices something, then figures out a way to make it happen on purpose, there`s almost no real way to stop from doing so. Just to "see what happens."

By the way, Edison didn`t invent or discover radio waves. Neither did Marconi. It was Tesla who made the discoveries, built the various first wireless systems, patented most of the technology, and only in the 1990s was eventually awarded posthumously the recognition.

Depending on where you are, I don`t think its as common to be jailed for a new or truly outrageous idea, its probably more common to be either "ruined by the establishment" laughed at, or mocked on E! or TMZ

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Motivation for Entrepreneurs
Entre-Propel.com

True, we don`t end up in jail all that much for being different. Yet. :-)

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Making limitless possibilities much more limited.

No, we`re not there now. The level of outrage in the American public today is so minor it`s meaningless to politicians. The current administration knows it has at least 2 years before being held up for scrutiny by "the voters."

They believe those "voters" will still be as indifferent and "stupid" as they`ve been for the past 50 years. Why not, after all? Nothing`s changed in Washington for nearly 80 years.

We don`t pay any attention to wellness, these days, generally speaking. Instead, we only pay attention to our health when we`re told we`re going to die. Or when we`re told we have a major crisis or disease. Then we all go into "crisis mode," throw money at things, and assume we`ll get through it. Somehow.

There`s not much money in healthy people. Just like there`s not much work for a divorce lawyer when marriages are all happy and healthy. The real money is in sick people, frightened people, and in angry wars between married couples.

So presumably we should create a society of angry, frightened, worried, hypochondriacs.

Oh wait....we`re already there!

Hey Matt,

You`ve just given me more food for thought -- `new` is often `outrageous`...`outrageous` is often `controversial`...until it becomes the norm.

Hi Craig,

Thanks

Edison discovered the phenomenon called `etheric forces`, which was later understood to be high frequency electromagnetic waves and the basis of radio.

So I agree that although technically Tesla may have discovered radio, he built on Edison`s earlier discoveries in that area. In fact, Tesla spent some time working as an engineer for the Continental Edison Company.

Really?