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Reference : Sayings : Quizzes : 4 : Necessity is the mother of invention

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Necessity is the mother of invention

Meaning: If we absolutely need to do something that has never been done, we will find a way to do it. It is this need or necessity that forces people to invent things.

Note: necessity (noun) = something that is essential; an imperative need | invention (noun) = the act of inventing | invent (verb) = design or create something that has not existed before

Origin: Based on the line "Necessity, who is the mother of invention" in The Republic written by Plato (Greek author & philosopher, 427-347BC).

Quick Quiz:

"Necessity is the mother of invention" is a proverb about
  1. motherhood
  2. the cause of inventions
  3. the cause of poverty


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