What Kung Fu Panda Taught Me About Innovation and Control
Master Oogway: “Look at this tree, Shifu, I cannot make it blossom when it suits me, nor make it bear fruit before its time.”
Master Shifu: “But there are things we can control. I can control when the fruits will fall. And I can control where to plant the seeds. That is no illusion, Master.”
— Kung Fu Panda
In the rich tapestry of wisdom and philosophy that underscores the animated movie “Kung Fu Panda”, lies an unlikely lesson on systems thinking and the principles of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving). These two quotes, exchanged between the wise Master Oogway and his pragmatic student, Master Shifu, serve as a metaphorical gateway into the world of understanding complex systems and innovation.
Master Oogway’s understanding of the natural order, juxtaposed with Master Shifu’s belief in strategic control, offers more than just a captivating dialogue. It presents a duality that resonates deeply with anyone attempting to navigate the intricate dance between what we can and cannot control within a system.
The Wisdom of Master Oogway
Master Oogway’s quote illustrates the principle of natural growth, where one cannot force a tree to blossom or bear fruit before its time. This principle resonates with system thinking, where we understand that systems operate under certain laws and patterns, and we cannot force them to behave unnaturally.
In system thinking, it is acknowledged that certain variables within a complex system cannot be controlled. Systems have their rhythm and patterns, and trying to force a change can often lead to unintended consequences.
The Pragmatism of Master Shifu
Master Shifu’s response demonstrates a different perspective. While he acknowledges that one cannot control everything, he emphasizes that certain elements are within our control. We can decide when and where to plant seeds, symbolizing the intentional actions we can take within a system.
This perspective aligns with TRIZ, a methodology for creative problem solving. TRIZ understands that while we cannot control a system itself, we can analyze and manipulate certain conditions to foster innovation and solve problems. By understanding the fundamental principles governing a system, we can work with them rather than against them.
Bridging the Philosophies
The wisdom of both Master Oogway and Master Shifu can be synthesized to understand how to approach complex systems and innovation.
Acceptance of Natural Laws: Recognize what is beyond your control in a system. You cannot force change against the inherent nature of a system, much like you cannot force a tree to bear fruit.
Strategic Control: Identify what elements within a system can be manipulated. These are the variables where innovation and change can occur, as Master Shifu controls when and where to plant seeds.
TRIZ and Innovation: Apply principles like TRIZ to work with the system, understanding its natural laws, and identifying opportunities for innovation. By manipulating conditions and variables in line with the system’s inherent rules, one can guide it towards a desired outcome.
Conclusion
The dialogue between Master Oogway and Master Shifu provides a profound metaphor for the balance between accepting what we cannot change and recognizing what we can control. In understanding complex systems, whether in nature or human-made constructs, this philosophy provides guidance for those seeking to innovate and effect positive change.
By embracing both the acceptance of natural laws and the strategic control of variables, we can engage with systems thoughtfully and creatively, leading to innovative solutions that respect the inherent nature of the system.
This wisdom transcends the world of Kung Fu and offers insights that can be applied to various fields, from business strategy to environmental conservation, teaching us to work with systems, not against them.
