How invention happens

Rarely a single moment.

Standing on prior work

Most breakthroughs combine existing pieces in a new way, at a point when the surrounding technology and demand make them viable. The idea alone is seldom the bottleneck.

Simultaneous independent invention is common, which suggests timing matters.
Working prototypes usually precede any theory explaining why they work.

From invention to adoption

Diffusion takes decades. Electricity, containers and the internet all took long enough that early adopters saw little advantage over those who waited.