Inventors Who Didn't Invent What They Are Famous for Inventing (wsj.com)

There is also a difference between invention and innovation (including successful commercialization.)

Apple didn't invent GUI-based computers, MP3 players, smartphones, tablet PCs, smartwatches, wireless earphones, or ARM-based laptops. But the Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple watch, AirPods, and M1 MacBook Air were all category-defining products.

At a fundamental level, our society works by giving the corporate spokesperson credit for everything thought up or done in their organization. Really, credit for a whole lotta other claims too. CEOs and spokespeople are more brand avatars with megaphones, than actual people dealing in fact. Unfortunately this setup confuses hero worshippers.

WSJ Gift link: https://www.wsj.com/tech/us-famous-inventions-inventors-wron...

Personally I think Gauss gets a little more credit than he strictly deserves.

no mention of thomas edison not inventing the lightbulb?

Elon Musk

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