“Success is determined by those whom prove the impossible, possible.”
What do you think about this quote?
Do you agree with it, or disagree?
Can you think of some examples you could give to support your argument?
What do you think this quote has to do with innovation?
Once upon a time there was a class that was solving a maths problem. In the problem the children had to arrange the 15 balls on a pool table in a triangle, but the number in the middle, below the two other numbers had to be the difference between them.
At first the children tried enthusiastically to solve the problem. They were determined to not let this maths problem get the better of them. As the 50 minutes rolled by, the children's enthusiasm wained, and they thought the problem was impossible.
The children's teacher went to see the math 'magician' who gave her the problem. He assured her that it was able to be solved.
The teacher returned with the reassuring message, and lay down the challenge to the young students. If one of you solves it before me, you can have 10 minutes extra playtime.
The children spurred on by this challenge, and the prospect of beating their teacher, went home to think about it and talk to their parents.
One of the student's fathers ,was also a maths magician, and worked out the secret pattern to this problem in the blink of an eye. He encouraged his young son to persevere with the problem, but like all good teachers, would not tell his son the solution.
Through many a discussion and trial and error, the young boy finally succeeded. He came to school rejoicing his discovery, but once again like all good mathematicians, did not disclose the answer.
Finally the teacher allowed the boy to share some ideas which may help his fellow classmates solve the problem. Suddenly, like mushrooms, answers began to pop up all around the classroom.
The bells of celebration could be heard throughout the classroom. And from that moment on the children in this classroom knew that through trial and error, and perseverance, anything is possible, no matter how impossible it may seem at the start.
And they all lived happily ever after, until the next maths problem.
