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About this quote

What does it mean?
The past offers raw materials, but we must actively construct new things from them rather than just preserving them.
In plain terms
Use the past as materials to build new things.
What can you take from it?
Build new creations using the past as material.

Where it applies

  • project planning
  • historical reflection
  • innovation work

Putting it to work

  • study history for ideas
  • reuse old concepts
  • build on tradition

Questions to consider

  • What past elements inspire you?
  • How do you build on the past?

Another view

Sometimes the past cannot provide useful building blocks.

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