Pioneers’ tragedy

Being the first do something opens you up to ridicule from the status quo — you’re “weird”, don’t do things the way they’re “supposed” to be done, and maybe even “crazy”.

At best, you may be seen as unconventional or a rogue, but may even find yourself banished as a pariah.

After you’ve done the heavy lifting, the toil — made more difficult by your critics — could pay off with important and helpful discoveries, at which point people will happily adopt the fruit of your labor. Those who remained silent, and even your harshest attackers, won’t deny themselves the benefits of your work.

That’s OK though — one of the most important qualities of being a great innovator is doing it for the love of creating, not vainglory.