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About this quote

What does it mean?
All clever ideas have already been thought; we just need to think them again.
In plain terms
Great ideas exist; we must revisit them.
What can you take from it?
Re‑examining old thoughts can spark new insight.

Where it applies

  • creative writing
  • research

Putting it to work

  • reviewing past works
  • reframing concepts

Questions to consider

  • When have you rediscovered an old idea?
  • Can rethinking old ideas lead to innovation?

Another view

It may undervalue genuinely novel breakthroughs.

More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  1. Blut ist ein ganz besonderer Saft.

    Permalink to quote #75
  2. Law is mighty, mightier necessity.

    Permalink to quote #77
  3. Schon war ich auch, und das war mein Verderben.

    Permalink to quote #74

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