The Hidden Power of Analogies: How Borrowing Ideas Sparks Innovation

Unlock your creative genius by connecting dots across fields.

Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. More often, it’s the result of connecting ideas from different worlds. David Epstein’s 'Range' shows that analogical thinking—seeing patterns and borrowing solutions from unrelated fields—is at the heart of creativity and progress.

Consider how breakthroughs in medicine have come from engineering, or how business strategies borrow from biology. Teams that encourage members to share diverse experiences and analogies consistently outperform those that stick to one way of thinking.



Analogical thinking is a skill you can develop. Read widely, try new hobbies, and collaborate with people outside your field. The more perspectives you have, the more likely you are to spot unexpected connections.

Stories of Nobel laureates, inventors, and entrepreneurs fill the pages of 'Range,' showing that the most creative minds are those that wander far and wide.



For more on how to cultivate analogical thinking and drive innovation, explore: 2 3 4