"偽物の革新者は非常に自信に満ちている。本物の革新者は死ぬほど恐れている。"

The essence of this quote is that true innovators often feel fear and uncertainty, while those who are pretenders tend to be overly confident. Real innovation is inherently risky—there is always the fear of failure or the unknown. This fear is a sign that the person is genuinely venturing into new, uncharted territories. On the other hand, someone who is overly confident might not be pushing boundaries in the same way and could be deluding themselves or others about the novelty and impact of their ideas.

Historically, the quote resonates with countless examples of inventors and creators who have expressed their doubts and anxieties. Think about Thomas Edison. He famously tested thousands of different materials before finding the right one for the lightbulb filament. Imagine how nerve-wracking it must have been to face repeated failures and still persist. On the flip side, there are also many who proclaimed their revolutionary ideas with great confidence but faded into obscurity because their ideas weren't as groundbreaking as they thought.

A vivid example of this can be seen in the world of technology startups. Take Steve Jobs and Apple. Jobs was known for his relentless pursuit of innovation, but he also had many moments of doubt. When Apple first launched the iPhone, there were uncertainties about whether it would succeed in a market dominated by established players like Nokia and BlackBerry. The fear was real, but it drove them to perfect their product and ultimately revolutionize the industry.

To apply this wisdom to your life, embrace your fears. If you're working on something that scares you, that's a good sign. It means you're pushing the envelope and venturing into new territory. Don't let fear paralyze you—instead, use it as a sign that you're on the right path. Remember, it's okay to be unsure. Talk to others about your doubts. Seek feedback and be open to learning from your mistakes.

Imagine you're an artist working on your first solo exhibition. You feel a knot in your stomach every time you think about opening night. What if no one likes your work? What if your pieces don't sell? But think about it—this fear is natural. It means you're putting something out there that's deeply personal and innovative. You could play it safe and create what you know will sell, but then you wouldn't be true to your vision. Use that fear to fuel your creativity. Maybe you take a risk with a bold new style or medium. The fear doesn't go away, but it sharpens your focus and pushes you to create something truly unique.

So next time you're embarking on a new project and feel that twinge of fear, take it as a positive sign. You're not a counterfeit innovator—you're the real deal. Embrace the uncertainty, and let it drive you to greater heights. And remember, every great innovator felt the same way at some point. You're in good company.