It is easier to experiment with tools than with ideas.
People have tool boxes. In their tool boxes there are many tools. When they are faced with a problem they can take out their tool box, try out the tools one by one to see if they help solve the problem.
Even with the same tool, they can try out different ways of using it; they can improvise. A screw driver does not only drive in screws; it can also be used for stirring paint. (Usually this means the end of the screw driver. But a slight change in habit will save this valuable multi-purpose tool: Wipe it clean with a rag the second you finish stirring.)
A screw driver is not just a screw driver.
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Tools are used to solve practical problem. Practical problems usually cannot wait. Which is why it is useful to have a tool box and build up a collection of tools. This way, you are likely to have the right tool for the right job at a moment’s notice.
It is also the reason why we sometimes have to improvise. Practical problems come in all shapes and sizes; we cannot anticipate them all in advance. So when a problem arises for which we are not prepared, we just have to do the best we can with what we have. So we experiment.
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Things are different with ideas. It is harder to experiment with ideas.
We can collect tools and build up our tool box. We then can experiment with the tools in our tool box. But where are we to collect ideas to build up an idea box?
It is not common for people to think of building up an idea box so that they can experiment with the ideas in them.
It is true that sometimes we know we need new ideas to solve a particular problem.
We know also it is difficult for an individual to have too many new ideas.
So we resort to brain storming sessions involving large numbers of people.
But this is very different from assembling a idea box. For one thing, it is easier to assemble a tool box than to assemble a large group of people.
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Since it is easier to experiment with tools than with ideas, those who are accustomed to experimenting with tools are more likely to be open to experimenting with ideas.
Since tools are used to solve practical problems, those accustomed to solving practical problems are more likely to be open to experimenting with ideas.
Experimentation is part of the trial and error process. Knowledge is not possible without trial and error. Those learn faster who are more willing to experiment both with tools and with ideas.
This is one of the lessons from the Scientific Revolution. The new scientists who brought about this revolution were people used to working with tools—including tools usually found in an alchemical laboratory. Newton carried out alchemical experiments and ground his own lenses in making his telescopes. These practical people were experimenting with a new idea, the idea that nature is a breakable cipher.