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Carl Sagan on starting from scratch

If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.

Carl Sagan

Starting from scratch is overrated (and impossible). Some better questions are:

– Has someone else already made what I’m trying to make? Or something similar? Or part of it? (Readymade is usually easier than DIY).

– What new things can I make with the components I already have?

– Which building blocks have I overlooked or neglected?

– Where can I look for new building blocks?

– Who else would find what I’ve built useful? Can I share it – or share instructions for how to make it? (Saving someone from having to make something themselves is the foundation of most business models, and instructions are another type of building block.)

– Which pieces of what I do is it really essential that I break down and re-make myself?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommended resources...

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