"Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow"
- William Pollard
About this Quote
Learning and innovation are inherently linked; progress in any field or endeavor relies on the consistent pursuit of new knowledge and novel ideas. When individuals or organizations rest on past achievements, believing that yesterday’s accomplishments are enough to succeed in an ever-changing world, they risk stagnation. Relying solely on previous success breeds complacency and can foster arrogance—a belief that prior methods, skills, and solutions will endlessly yield favorable outcomes.
True growth, whether personal or professional, demands an openness to continuous improvement. The world does not remain static. Technologies evolve, markets shift, and societal expectations transform. Those who cling to the idea that their existing knowledge or past strategies will always suffice ignore the dynamic nature of reality. Arrogance in this context becomes a barrier; it blinds people to opportunities and constructs a false sense of security. When success is seen as a guarantee rather than something to be earned repeatedly through learning and adaptation, the drive to innovate diminishes.
Innovation thrives in environments where curiosity and humility outweigh pride. It requires acknowledgment that what worked before may no longer be effective, and that growth depends on ongoing reflection and responsiveness to change. Embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner not only fosters creativity and the capacity for problem-solving but also builds resilience. It prevents individuals and organizations from growing obsolete as circumstances evolve.
The act of learning—expanding what we know, questioning assumptions, and seeking different perspectives—fuels innovation. Each new insight offers the possibility of improvement. When learning is viewed as an indispensable counterpart to success, it cultivates adaptability. Rather than growing complacent or attached to yesterday’s victories, those who integrate learning and innovation remain equipped to face the future’s uncertainties and challenges.
"At the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach is the belief that children are full of potential, competent, and capable of constructing their own learning"
"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday"
