Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

From Self Improvement by Bijibilla Rama Rao

April 29, 2026 · 7 min · Season 3 · Episode 49

About this episode

This episode explores the concept that necessity drives invention and creativity, referencing various thinkers and their perspectives on the topic.

When the need for something becomes essential, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it. It states that the primary driving force for most new inventions is a need. The quote “necessity is the mother of invention” is often attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, although the exact phrase does not appear in his writings. Its essence can be found in his work “The Republic,” where he discusses how basic needs lead to the establishments of societies. This phrase suggests that challenges and needs drive human creativity and innovation. Additionally, Mark Twain has a variation of this quote, stating that “discontent is the father of progress,” emphasizing the role of necessity in fostering invention. “Hold dear to your parents for it is a scary and confusing world without them.” — Emily Dickinson I don’t think necessity is the mother of invention. Invention, in my opinion, arises directly from idleness, possibly also from laziness — to save oneself trouble.” — Agatha Christie This is one of the glories of man, the inventiveness of the human mind and the human spirit: whenever life doesn’t seem to give an answer, we create one.” — Lorraine Hansberry When I was 5…

People in this episode

Host: Bijibilla Rama Rao

Topics covered

  • invention
  • necessity
  • creativity
  • innovation
  • philosophy

Keywords

  • necessity
  • invention
  • creativity
  • innovation
  • philosophy
  • Plato
  • Mark Twain

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Republic

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