How does President Kennedy describe the history of human innovation?

47 years ago [20th July 1969] one giant leap for mankind was taken. Was it the direct result of President Kennedy's challenge to put a man on the moon before the decade was out? Excerpts of his Special Message, that he delivered in person before a joint session of Congress May 25, 1961, to the Congress on Urgent National Needs would suggest yes. This message at that time illustrated the challenges and solutions to innovation then, yet they are just as applicable in business today.

Finally, if we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take.

Innovation, like travel, is about the journey not the destination, and the adventures and lessons you learn along the way. Just ask any entrepreneur of the level of determination it takes to walk that often lonely path.