It doesn't matter how new an idea is: what matters is how new it becomes

It doesn't matter how new an idea is: what matters is how new it becomes

Elias Canetti, the renowned Bulgarian-born writer and Nobel laureate, was a thinker who understood the power of ideas and their ability to shape the world. Throughout his life, Canetti explored a wide range of topics, from the nature of power and crowds to the complexities of human relationships. He was a keen observer of society and culture, and his work continues to inspire and provoke thought to this day.

One of Canetti's most famous quotes is, "It doesn't matter how new an idea is: what matters is how new it becomes." This statement encapsulates Canetti's belief in the transformative power of ideas. For Canetti, the value of an idea lies not in its novelty, but in its ability to challenge existing beliefs and perceptions, and to spark new ways of thinking and being in the world.

Canetti understood that ideas have the power to shape our understanding of the world and to influence our actions and behaviors. He believed that truly revolutionary ideas are not necessarily those that are completely original, but rather those that have the potential to disrupt and transform the status quo. In this sense, the true measure of an idea's impact lies in its ability to inspire change and innovation, rather than in its novelty or uniqueness.

Throughout his work, Canetti explored the ways in which ideas can shape our individual and collective identities, and how they can influence the dynamics of power and authority in society. He was particularly interested in the ways in which ideas can be used to manipulate and control others, and how they can be harnessed to create social change and transformation.