This is the tale of two Matthews.

The first Matthew beavered away in private, writing thousands of words. Then hired an editor to fix grammar. Result: a book full of Matthew's ideas that few understood and didn't capture any interest.

The second Matthew learnt from the first and collaborated.

Found some of the right people. Asked for feedback. Identified ways to express the same thought in a way they understood.

Result: writing that was much more relatable.

But here's the key question: did the ideas change?

Yes and no. No, because the core of any idea remains unchangeable. But yes - because every expression of that core idea is a new thought.

So collaboration led to new ideas.

Or at least a new expression of the same core idea. Same, same but different. And the more expressions of an idea, the more the idea becomes understood. And sparks new ideas.

Collaboration also led to a new Matthew.

Because if our ideas change, then we change with them.