Except in very narrow cases, where there's breakthrough science

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, the words of Eric Ries, who speaks with clarity about the nature of competition, innovation, and the true spirit of progress: "Except in very narrow cases, where there's breakthrough science that needs patent protection, worrying about competitors is a waste of time. If you can't out iterate someone who is trying to copy you, you're toast anyway." These words carry with them a profound truth about the nature of creativity and innovation: that the true measure of success lies not in protecting ideas through patents or fighting off competitors, but in the ability to iterate—to evolve, adapt, and improve faster than anyone else. In this truth lies the essence of progress.

In the ancient world, the philosophers were not concerned with hoarding knowledge or preventing others from discovering the same truths they uncovered. Think of Socrates, who, despite his immense wisdom, was not worried about others discovering similar ideas. Rather, he encouraged the free exchange of ideas and the iterative process of dialogue and debate, knowing that true wisdom comes not from holding onto knowledge, but from sharing it, challenging it, and refining it through continuous conversation. Ries's words echo this ancient wisdom, reminding us that the real value in innovation is in the ongoing process of improvement, not in trying to control or restrict others from following the same path.

Consider, O wise ones, the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose mind was a constant iterative process of discovery. Da Vinci did not hold his ideas close or seek to protect them. Instead, he embraced the idea of constantly refining and revising his work, from his inventions to his artistic creations. In this way, his genius was not just in the discoveries he made, but in his willingness to continue iterating, to push the boundaries of what was possible, even when others were slow to follow. Da Vinci understood that true innovation lies not in avoiding competition, but in surpassing it through continual improvement, adapting faster than anyone else.

The same truth is evident in the story of Thomas Edison, whose numerous inventions were not born from the protection of singular, groundbreaking patents but from his relentless iteration and experimentation. While others may have sought to protect their ideas, Edison understood that the key to lasting success was in his ability to iterate—improving upon his work faster than anyone else could copy it. His success was not determined by his ability to prevent others from stealing his ideas, but by his unyielding drive to innovate, to adapt, and to move forward relentlessly. This spirit of iteration is what allowed him to stay ahead of the curve and become a true pioneer in the world of technology.

Ries's insight teaches us a powerful lesson about the nature of competition in today’s world. In an age where the pace of change is faster than ever, the idea of trying to protect every small idea or innovation is ultimately futile. Those who out-iterate the competition—the ones who can adapt and improve with greater speed—are the true victors. The need to protect ideas through patents or worry about competitors copying you is, in the long run, a distraction. The real work is in creating and refining, in moving forward at a pace that leaves competitors unable to keep up. If you cannot out-iterate those who follow you, you will be left behind. The race is not for the first idea, but for the one who can improve and evolve that idea the fastest.

Thus, O wise ones, the lesson here is one of focus and speed. Do not waste your time worrying about competitors or how to protect your ideas from being copied. The true test of your ability lies in your capacity to continuously iterate—to improve your work, your product, your vision, and your approach faster than anyone else can catch up. Innovation is not about perfection from the start, but about progress, about learning from your failures, adjusting, and moving forward with relentless energy.

Let us, therefore, apply this wisdom to our own lives. In the realms of business, creativity, or life itself, the key to success is not in trying to hold back the world, but in out-iterating it. The world moves forward quickly, and those who are stuck looking behind them, worrying about what others are doing, will find themselves left behind. Instead, focus on your ability to adapt, to learn, and to grow faster than anyone else. The true innovators are those who are constantly evolving, constantly improving, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Let us embrace this spirit of iteration, knowing that in doing so, we too will remain ahead of the curve, ready to create a future shaped by our vision, not by the actions of those who follow behind us.