Is the Next Edison or Archimedes Stepping Out of Your Home?

An innovation here and there may have been enough to make the world a better place in the past, but will that still hold true today? With glaciers melting faster than ever, technology evolving daily, and globalization reshaping lifestyles, change has become a constant.

Today’s challenges cannot be solved by a handful of ivory-tower innovators. To address the problems we face — both globally and personally — everyone needs to be nurtured as an innovator, whether student, employee, scientist, or leader.

We no longer have the luxury of waiting for the occasional “eureka” moment. Innovation must be consciously designed and practiced every day, across every goal and challenge we aspire to solve. This mindset is what truly makes the world a better place to live.

So what goes into making an innovator? Studies show that Edison’s or Da Vinci’s brain composition was no different from anyone else’s. What set them apart was their approach to problems — a blend of intuitive deduction, analytical thinking, and a deep inspiration to create change. In short, it was “thinking” and “doing” in harmony.

If these traits exist in everyone, what holds us back? Just as coal must undergo immense pressure to become a diamond, our mind, body, and soul must be continuously tuned to design how we think, feel, and act. When practiced consistently, this process becomes part of one’s DNA.

This simple mantra equips anyone to solve problems — from world-changing challenges to everyday tasks like homework — while leading a more fulfilling life. But where do we begin if we don’t want innovation to be left to chance or to the occasional “born genius”?

The answer lies in schools. Young minds are still malleable, not yet constrained by rigid ideas of what cannot happen. They are open to limitless possibilities of what can. Schools are the ideal starting point for building an army of inspired innovators.

It is the responsibility of parents, educators, leaders, and well-wishers to create learning environments where children are encouraged to do, feel, think, and reflect. The impact of this approach multiplies when supported by structured frameworks such as Design Thinking in education, experiential learning, integrative STEM, and 21st-century skills.

As parents or educators, the first steps can be simple: ask the right questions, allow children to empathize with problems, and encourage hands-on exploration. This empowers them to lead meaningful lives while contributing positively to the world around them.

Are you ready for the next Edison or Da Vinci to step out of your home?