The idiom “comparing apples and oranges” is often used to shut down comparisons between seemingly dissimilar things. But what does it truly mean, and does it hold up under scrutiny? This article explores the meaning behind the phrase and argues that embracing such comparisons can actually be the key to unlocking innovation and creativity.
Many people interpret “comparing apples and oranges” to mean that two things are so fundamentally different that any comparison is meaningless. This idea stems from the fruits’ perceived differences in taste, texture, and appearance. However, a closer look reveals more similarities than expected. Both are fruits, grow on trees, offer nutritional value, and even share similar sizes and shapes. A satirical scientific study published in Improbable Research, titled “Apples and Oranges: A Comparison,” even used infrared spectrometry to demonstrate surprisingly similar spectral patterns between the two fruits.
So, why does this idiom persist? It highlights our human tendency to focus on differences rather than similarities. We often default to comparing “apples to apples” within familiar categories, limiting our perspectives and hindering potential breakthroughs. In professional settings, this manifests as copying competitors within the same industry. Personally, it can lead to echoing the opinions and styles of our social circles. While benchmarking against similar entities has its place, true innovation often arises from recognizing connections between seemingly disparate fields.
The power of comparing “apples and oranges” lies in the concept of “combinatory play,” a term coined by Albert Einstein to describe the fusion of seemingly unrelated ideas. This process involves “opening up one mental channel by dabbling in another,” as author Elizabeth Gilbert explains. History is replete with examples of this principle in action:
- Einstein himself used music to unlock scientific breakthroughs, playing Mozart to decipher the complexities of the cosmos.
- Steve Jobs drew inspiration from calligraphy to develop innovative typography for the Macintosh.
- Leonardo da Vinci found inspiration for his art and inventions in the natural world.
- Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin borrowed the concept of academic citation frequency to revolutionize search engine algorithms.
- Charles Darwin applied economic principles from Thomas Malthus to develop his theory of evolution.
- Johannes Gutenberg adapted wine-pressing technology to create the printing press.
The creative power of combining disparate elements is also evident in music. Iron Maiden fuses Shakespeare, history, and heavy metal, while David Bowie’s lyrical genius stemmed from rearranging fragmented texts from diverse sources. Legendary producer Rick Rubin encourages artists to seek inspiration from art museums rather than current music charts.
Limiting ourselves to specific fields or disciplines prevents us from recognizing these valuable connections. True innovation often arises from cross-pollination, where seemingly ordinary concepts in one field become extraordinary in another. While not every comparison will yield a perfect fit, the act itself sparks new lines of thought and opens up possibilities for creative problem-solving.
Embracing the comparison of “apples and oranges” is not about forcing illogical connections. It’s about fostering a mindset open to exploring unexpected similarities and leveraging them for creative breakthroughs. So, the next time someone accuses you of comparing apples and oranges, consider it a badge of honor. Actively seek out diverse perspectives, explore seemingly unrelated fields, and embrace the power of combinatory play to unlock your own creative potential. Instead of shying away from comparing disparate concepts, embrace the challenge. You might just discover the next groundbreaking innovation where you least expect it.
