People once assumed that the earth was flat, that the sun revolved around the earth and that evil spirits caused diseases.  The Wright Brothers questioned the old belief that humankind would never fly just as the space program defied the perspective that we must live on Earth.

Astronomers watch the sky to find patterns of motion that help us understand the Universe.  Architects study structure and form in nature to discover more efficient and effective architectural designs.

Observing water from a pond under a microscope reveals a new world.  When we need a doorstop, a brick takes on a new usefulness.

Gutenberg took the idea of woodblock printing, used for making playing cards, and thought of making blocks of letters of the alphabet.  The result was movable type.  Riddles make connections in funny ways.  What has a mouth but cannot talk? 
Answers:  a river, a cave, a bottle.

Creative people are willing to take risks, they are willing to try long shots.  Early explorers took fearful risks when they set out for long voyages to unknown seas.

Scientists wanting to study the processes of continents and planets forming take advantage of chance volcanic eruptions around the world to learn more about these phenomena.

A net is stronger than its separate links.  Letters, meetings, discussions and books all stimulate ideas.  The work of researchers is shared worldwide.  They overcome barriers of language and culture.