Notably Quotable – Innovation vs. Imitation

By Jeffry Pilcher

Published on August 15th, 2008 in Innovation Strategies

"Zig when others zag. Following the herd means you are destined to forever be a part of the herd. The alternatives are twofold: Lead the herd or leave the herd."

– Andrew Szabo, CMO/Resource 1 Credit Union

"If you ever have the good fortune to create a great advertising campaign, you will soon see another agency steal it. This is irritating, but don’t let it worry you. Nobody has ever built a brand by imitating somebody else’s advertising."

David Ogilvy, ad legend

"The winner is the chef who takes the same ingredients as everyone else and produces the best results."

– Edward de Bono, originator of the term ‘lateral thinking’

"Hell, there are no rules here — we’re trying to accomplish something."

Thomas Edison, inventor

"I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of old ones."

John Cage, computing pioneer

"Don’t worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good, you’ll have to ram them down people’s throats."

Howard Aiken, physicist

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."

Albert Einstein, super genius

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

Confucius, philosopher

-- Article continued below --

The Financial Brand is your premier destination for comprehensive insights in the financial services sector. With our in-depth articles, webinars, reports and research, we keep banking executives up-to-date with the latest trends, growth strategies, and technological advancements that are transforming the industry today.

© 2025 The Financial Brand. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of The Financial Brand.