Accelerating novelty

To understand how novelty or new ideas can be accelerated, we'll look at insights from trusted experts on different strategies and the application of scientific discovery principles:

1. Advancing Strategies in Warfare: Jocko Willink discusses the historical shift from concentrated to distributed and decentralized command in military strategy. He describes how Napoleon's divisional system allowed for more flexible and distributed movement of troops. The balance between dispersion and cohesion in advancing forces, especially in the face of new technologies like atomic weapons, is essential for effective strategy. This approach underlines the importance of adaptability and decentralization in advancing new methods 1.

2. Scientific Discovery's Wisdom: Martin Rees highlights that progress in science often involves failure and reassessment. Transformative changes are rare, with most advances being refinements of existing ideas rather than outright rejections. The scientific method, similar to a detective's work, involves piecing together evidence to form a broader understanding. Importantly, Rees points out that science aims to unify disparate ideas, reducing complexity and information overload, which fosters continual progress and innovation 2.

Together, these discussions suggest that accelerating novelty involves:

• Decentralizing Command: Allowing independent yet coordinated advancements.
• Adaptability: Continuously reassessing and adjusting strategies based on new data.
• Refinement Over Revolution: Building on existing knowledge to extend and refine ideas rather than starting from scratch.
• Unifying Concepts: Simplifying and integrating diverse information to foster understanding and innovation.

These principles from military strategy and scientific practice provide a framework for accelerating new ideas effectively.