Why Nature’s Genius is the Best Problem-Solver
(And How You Can Steal Its Secrets)
Have you ever noticed how the best ideas often feel familiar? That’s because they probably are. In Evolutionary Ideas, Sam Tatam argues that true innovation isn’t about reinventing the wheel-it’s about stealing nature’s blueprints, borrowing from psychology, and repurposing old solutions in clever new ways.
Here’s why this book will change how you solve problems forever.
1. The Myth of the “Lone Genius” (And Why Most Big Ideas Fail)
We love stories of sudden “Eureka!” moments, but the truth is messier:
· 95% of new products flop.
· 70% of corporate transformations fail.
· Even the lightbulb wasn’t Edison’s solo invention-it was a slow tweak of 50+ earlier designs.
The problem? We’re obsessed with revolutionary ideas when evolutionary ones work better. Nature figured this out billions of years ago.
2. Nature’s Cheat Codes for Innovators
The Bullet Train That Mimicked a Kingfisher
Japan’s 500-Series Shinkansen had a noise problem-it created sonic booms in tunnels. Engineers fixed it by copying:
· The kingfisher’s beak (streamlined nose).
· The owl’s feathers (serrated edges to silence wind).
· The penguin’s body (sleek pantograph design).
Result? A quieter, 15% more efficient train.
Lesson: Need a breakthrough? Look outside your industry. Biology has already solved it.
Other Nature Hacks:
· Painless needles inspired by mosquitos.
· Wind turbines shaped like whale fins.
· Camouflage based on zebra stripes.
3. Psychological Tricks That Work Like Magic
Van Halen’s Brown M&Ms Test
The rock band’s contract demanded no brown M&Ms (M&M's are small, colorful chocolate candies ) in their backstage bowl. If they found any? They’d cancel the show. Why? It was a costly signal-a tiny detail missed, could pay havoc with the entire event. Hence read the entire contract (including safety specs).
Van Halen’s Brown M&Ms Test was a clever contract compliance tactic disguised as a quirky rock star demand.
[Back story : In their concert contracts, Van Halen included a clause stating that a bowl of M&Ms must be provided backstage - with all the brown ones removed. If they found even one brown M&M, they had the right to cancel the show with full compensation.
Van Halen had complex stage setups with heavy equipment and safety requirements. The brown M&Ms clause was a test: if the venue missed that small detail, it likely overlooked important technical requirements too. It saved them from dangerous oversights.]
Where else this works:
At Tesco, a leading UK-based retail giant, employees wear name badges that include their start dates - for example, “Jane – Since 2018.” This small detail plays a big role in how both colleagues and customers perceive trustworthiness and reliability.
4. How to “Hack” Time (Without Changing Clocks)
Our brains don’t experience time objectively. Examples:
· Disneyland queues feel shorter because they’re packed with distractions.
· Houston Airport reduced baggage claim complaints by adding walk time (idle waiting feels longer).
· Magic Castle Hotel delivers free popsicles (a frozen treat on a stick, typically made from sweetened flavored liquid like fruit juice, soft drinks, or yogurt that’s frozen solid ) on a silver tray-creating a “peak” memory that defines the whole stay.
Takeaway: Control perception, not just reality.
5. The Decoy Effect (Why You Buy Things You Don’t Need)
Ever chosen the middle-priced wine? Thank the decoy:
· Option A: $10 bottle
· Option B: $50 bottle (seems outrageous)
· Option C: $45 bottle (suddenly seems reasonable)
The $50 bottle isn’t meant to sell-it’s there to make $45 look like a steal.
Call to Action: Steal Like Nature
Next time you’re stuck:
1. Ask: “Has biology/psychology/history already solved this?”
2. Spot signals (what small detail would prove trustworthiness?).
3. Tweak defaults (pre-set the “good” choice).
Try it this week: Pick one problem and “evolutionize” it. Then hit reply and tell me what happened-I’ll share the best stories in a future post!
Liked this? Share it with a friend who’s tired of reinventing the wheel. 🚀
P.S. Want more? Read Evolutionary Ideas-or just go birdwatching. Innovation’s hiding in plain sight.