There is nothing worth thinking but it has been thought before; we must only try to think it again.
This quote implies that every idea or thought that crosses our mind has, in some form or another, been thought of before. However, the uniqueness lies not in the originality of the thought, but in the way we perceive and process it. It encourages us to revisit old ideas, concepts, or thoughts with a fresh perspective, a new context, or a different mindset.
In the context of today’s world, this quote can be seen as a testament to the cyclical nature of innovation. Many of the technological advancements we see today are not entirely new concepts, but rather, they are improvements or different applications of existing ideas. For example, the concept of a phone has been around for more than a century, but it took a fresh perspective to transform it into a smartphone, a device that has revolutionized how we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves.
In terms of personal development, the quote encourages us to learn from the past, from others’ experiences, and from our own previous thoughts and ideas. It suggests that growth and development don’t necessarily come from completely new ideas, but from reflecting on, reevaluating, and refining our existing thoughts and beliefs. This could mean revisiting a past failure with a new understanding, reevaluating our beliefs in the light of new experiences, or simply looking at an old problem from a new angle to find a solution.
The quote also implies the importance of critical thinking and reflection. It’s not enough to simply accept an idea as it is, but we should strive to think it again, to question it, to understand it in our own terms, and to apply it in our own unique way. This process of rethinking not only leads to a deeper understanding of the idea but also helps us to internalize it, to make it our own, and to use it in a way that is most beneficial to us.