Tag Archives: Dreams

The Power of Dreams

A Veterans Day Innovation Story

The Power of Dreams - A Veterans Day Innovation Story

by Braden Kelley

On this Veterans Day I send my thanks to all of my fellow veterans for the sacrifices they and their families have made in support of the great nations of the world. Military science has long been a source of innovation that goes beyond the defense of a population. From duct tape, GPS, jet engines and the Internet to nuclear power, sanitary napkins and digital photography, there is an endless list of innovations that owe their existence to investments in military research.

Innovation has always been fueled by exceptional ideas that push the boundaries of what is possible. Some of the most groundbreaking inventions in history have originated from the most unexpected sources, proving that inspiration knows no boundaries. One such remarkable innovation that emerged from the realm of dreams is the M9 Gun Director, a groundbreaking concept envisioned by David Parkinson. Today, we explore the fascinating story of how an ordinary dream sparked an extraordinary revolution in military technology.

Dreams have long been a source of fascination for humanity, acting as the gateway to our subconscious minds, guiding our creativity and problem-solving abilities. Great minds throughout history, from Albert Einstein to Nikola Tesla, have attested to the transformative power of dreams shaping their inventions and discoveries. In the case of David Parkinson, the M9 Gun Director serves as a testament to the astounding potential that lies within our dreams.

The Birth of a Revolutionary Concept

In 1895, Parkinson, a modest engineer by profession, experienced a vivid dream that would forever change the world of military technology. In this dream, he envisioned a device capable of automatically predicting and adjusting the trajectory of a gun, enabling unparalleled precision in aiming and firing. This visionary concept would ultimately become the foundation for the M9 Gun Director and revolutionize artillery warfare as we knew it.

Pursuing the Unconventional

David Parkinson, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering belief in his dream, embarked on a journey to transform this abstract idea into a tangible reality. Despite facing skepticism and opposition, Parkinson remained undeterred, recognizing the immense potential in his concept. He tirelessly invested his time in research, experimentation, and collaboration, all the while fueled by the hope of revolutionizing military technology.

Bringing Dreams to Life

After years of relentless persistence, Parkinson succeeded in developing a prototype that embodied his vision of the M9 Gun Director. It incorporated advanced mechanisms, including gears, gyroscopes, and other innovative technologies, to predict and adjust artillery gun trajectories with remarkable accuracy. This revolutionary innovation significantly enhanced the efficiency, precision, and destructive power of artillery systems, forever changing the course of warfare worldwide.

Implications and Significance

The advent of the M9 Gun Director marked a turning point in military history, fundamentally altering the dynamics of armed conflict. By harnessing the power of dream-inspired innovation, Parkinson had unlocked a whole new level of precision previously unimaginable in the realm of artillery. This groundbreaking invention significantly reduced casualties, transformed strategic planning, and tilted the balance of power on the battlefield.

Embracing the Power of Dreams

The story of David Parkinson and the M9 Gun Director serves as a testament to the incredible creative potential that lies within each of us. It encourages us to embrace the unexplored territories of our dreams, recognizing them not just as fleeting nocturnal experiences, but as wellsprings of unmatched inspiration. Who knows what other world-changing ideas are waiting to be unleashed from within our subconscious minds?

Image credits: Pixabay

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Innovation Quotes of the Day – June 1, 2012


“All our dreams can come true if we have the desire to pursue them.”

– Walt Disney


“The product or service are an expression of the customer insights, and it is the useful life of the insights that we are concerned with, not the useful life of the product or service (a post-purchase concept). When the insights reach their sell by date, sales will begin to tail off, and you better have another product or service ready to replace this one (based on fresh insights).”

– Braden Kelley


“If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.”

– Katharine Hepburn


What are some of your favorite innovation quotes?

Add one or more to the comments, listing the quote and who said it, and I’ll share the best of the submissions as future innovation quotes of the day!

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Innovation Quotes of the Day – May 21, 2012


“Companies do not fall primarily because of what the world does to them or because of how the world changes around them. They fall first and foremost because of what they do to themselves.”

– Jim Collins


“To innovate continuously, you need to be open to receiving great ideas from anywhere in the company, and must have systems and processes to manage idea gathering, evaluation, and development. Often this requires a financial and personnel investment.”

– Braden Kelley


“Somehow I can’t believe there aren’t many heights that can’t be scaled by one who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret can be summarized in four C’s. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy, and the greatest of these is Confidence.”

– Walt Disney


What are some of your favorite innovation quotes?

Add one or more to the comments, listing the quote and who said it, and I’ll share the best of the submissions as future innovation quotes of the day!

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.