The Process of the Idea

1.        Operative technique

a.       Can be learned and controlled

2.       The Pareto Theory

a.        Speculator

                                                   i.      Preoccupied with the possibilities of new combinations

b.      Rentier

                                                   i.      Routine, unimaginative, controlled by speculator

3.        Training the Mind

a.        Principles and methods

4.       Combining Old Elements

a.        Idea is a combination of old elements

b.       Dependent on ability to see relationships

                                                   i.      . Extraction of a general principle

1.        New combination > idea

5.        Ideas are New Combinations

a.        Five steps

                                                   i.      Gather raw material

1.        Specific (products and people)

2.        General (life and events)

3.        Get source book for random materials

                                                 ii.      See what fits of your facts

1.       Jot down all and any partial ideas

                                                iii.      Format C

                                               iv.      Eureka!

                                                 v.      Real-world and criticism

from A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Young