"L'amélioration crée des routes droites, mais les routes sinueuses sans amélioration sont les routes du génie"

The essence of this saying is that straightforward progress is often seen as a sign of improvement and efficiency. However, unconventional paths—ones that might seem less structured or direct—can be the breeding ground for true brilliance and innovation.

Let's put this into context. Picture the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, a time of immense progress. Roads were built straighter, machines became more efficient, and everything seemed to march forward in a linear path of improvement. This kind of progress made life easier and allowed societies to grow and thrive. But on the flip side, consider the unconventional paths taken by visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci or Nikola Tesla, who often wandered off the beaten path. Their ideas were sometimes met with skepticism and didn't always follow a straight line, but they led to groundbreaking inventions and concepts that changed the world.

Think about a startup in Silicon Valley. Imagine a fledgling tech company, struggling to get their app just right. They could follow the tried-and-true methods of app development, focusing on incremental improvements. They'd probably create a good product, no doubt. But what if they decided to take risks, experiment, and embrace a less conventional approach—like incorporating cutting-edge AI technology or exploring entirely new user interfaces? Sure, their path might be filled with more trial and error, maybe even a few dead ends, but it could lead to something revolutionary. Something that no one has seen before.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? First off, don't be afraid of the crooked roads. Embrace them. If you're working on a project, whether it's at your job, a personal endeavor, or even a hobby, allow yourself the freedom to explore unconventional methods and ideas. Trust your instincts, even if they lead you away from the straight path of improvement. These detours can often lead you to unexpected and brilliant outcomes.

Let me share a story about my friend Sarah. She was an accomplished baker, known for her perfectly crafted pastries. But she always felt something was missing. One day, rather than sticking to her tried-and-true recipes, she decided to experiment—wildly. She combined ingredients in ways that seemed odd, even chaotic. Her kitchen was a mess, and not everything she made was a hit. But through this process, she invented a unique pastry that became the talk of the town, something no one had created before. Her bakery flourished, not because she improved her existing recipes, but because she was willing to take those crooked roads.

So next time you're faced with a challenge, think about Sarah's journey. Don't shy away from a path just because it looks difficult or unconventional. Remember, while improvement can make things smoother and more efficient, genius often lies in the unpredictable, the messy, and the unconventional.