I was born in Camberwell, South East London, UK just after the war, where there were many bomb sites and houses that were partially collapsed yet still being lived in. This was the norm and I never took any notice of it.
This was an era where everything was valued, we made things out of anything we could get our hands on, like pieces of old broken bikes, to make into one we could ride. This continued with motorcycles and cars which I made from spares, anything new was just a dream.
This may be where I get my inventive mind, which allows me to think outside of the box, Invent and Patent things and secure registered design. I have always been an odd bod and have never accepted anything I am told unless I can rationalise it to myself. This got me into trouble when I was at school, because the teachers resented being challenged by me. Mind you, it didn't do me any favours when I always thanked the teacher after being slippered or caned.
Everyone's ideas are equally valuable, no matter what age or level of education.
My advice to anyone reading this is: 'Question everything, and never be belittled by anyone'.