Rodney Mullen on Innovation

In August of 2012, the Lemelson Center invited Rodney Mullen, the unquestioned leader and pioneer of street skating, to visit us to discuss the role of invention and innovation in American life. We exchanged ideas and views not only about skateboarding, but about the role and importance of creativity and innovation to building a better society.

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  Sports

[Executnr]

Skateboarding is so complex yet very simple, mostly mental, without Rodney Mullen Skateboarding wouldn't be as advanced as it is today, lets all be thankful he didnt quit, Imagine being him being the first to do those tricks, its like writing instructions on a blank canvas for the world, its Law and Order and simple math 1+1=2, He has reached algebra stages.

Tony Hawk inspired me to skate and Rodney Mullen made me think and progress.

[Calvero416]

He is my hero and I'm not even a skater.

[Liam J]

Pretty rich calling people retards with English like that...

[Paul Jonathan Stokes]

Agreed 100% Rodney! Now go and listen to Sonic Youth! and Bethany Curve! If you want?

[Colm Mulhall]

What a genius

[Matt Lee]

The god father of skateboarding. ^.^

[lolufsen]

Such a humble guy. Massively intelligent and somehow completely "misfit". Hero!

[johnmatthew78]

You tha man

[josh bednarik]

Rodney is rad. Best sk8ter ever!

[kwalitykontrol]

His dad really fucked him up. Constantly saying stop skateboarding, you'll go nowhere and be a nobody.

[Quince White]

Rodney has always been my favorite skater. Even as a 3ed grader getting made fun of because I "sucked" at skating I watched a video of him saying if you enjoy it then keep going at it. And he was talking specifically about skating either. Because of him grew up to be the bad ass skater i've wanted to be when I was younger. Thanks rodney, you're the shit! (;

[KidVani69]

Wow this brings tears to my eyes. Hearing him speak so passionately about skateboarding makes me really appreciate my love for skating even more.