"If you have always done it that way, it is probably wrong"

Routine and repetition often lead to stagnation. Following the same approach repeatedly, simply because it’s familiar, can result in blind spots and overlooked improvements. Charles F. Kettering's assertion challenges complacency and the reliance on tradition. He implies that just because a particular method or practice has been the norm, that doesn't guarantee its validity, correctness, or effectiveness. The world and its challenges are constantly evolving, and sticking rigidly to familiar patterns may prevent adaptation and creative problem-solving.

Familiar methods might have been innovative or effective when first implemented, but over time, conditions, technology, and understanding change. If actions and decisions are guided solely by precedent, organizations and individuals risk missing out on advances, insights, and efficiencies that arise from experimentation and the willingness to question the status quo. Essentially, there's an inherent danger in assuming that tradition equals correctness. Rules, systems, and processes must be open to scrutiny and reevaluation to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

Innovation thrives on curiosity and the courage to question inherited practices. By suggesting that habitual actions are “probably wrong,” Kettering encourages a mindset that values critical thinking and ongoing reassessment. Habits can easily turn into ruts. The most successful advancements, whether in science, business, or daily life, come from those unafraid to challenge the familiar, ask hard questions, and risk exploring new possibilities.

Complacency breeds mediocrity. When teams or individuals avoid challenging old habits, progress slows. True growth demands the humility to accept that former wisdom may become outdated, and that improvement often requires breaking away from well-trodden paths. The quote serves as a reminder: challenge conventions, seek better approaches, and never settle for doing things a certain way simply because it has always been done so. Continuous progress depends on a willingness to innovate and improve, discarding what no longer serves its purpose.