"In the old days when people invented a new function they had something useful in mind"

This quote by Henri Poincare talks to the idea that when individuals invent something brand-new, they have a purpose in mind. This recommends that the creation is meant to be beneficial and serve a function. This concept is in contrast to the contemporary, where innovations are frequently made for the sake of novelty or entertainment. Poincare's quote indicates that in the past, people were more focused on producing something that would be beneficial to society. This could be seen in the innovation of the wheel, which enabled much easier transport of products, or the development of the printing press, which enabled the spread of understanding. Poincare's quote is a reminder that inventions should be made with a function in mind, and that the function ought to be advantageous to society. This is a pointer that innovations ought to be made with a function, and that the function needs to be useful to society. Inventors need to strive to develop something that will make life simpler or better for people, rather than simply something that is novel or amusing.