In memory of Genrikh Saulovich Altshuller

In my 18 years as a software engineer and manager at Bell Laboratories and Motorola, I have been lucky to work on interesting benchmarking, process improvement, technology transfer, and creativity-oriented initiatives. However, none of these programs have uniquely changed my perspective on engineering and creativity, and indeed, the world in general, as much as TRIZ. People who know me now consider me as someone who views the world through "TRIZ-colored glasses." Altshuller's work has changed my life. He was to the creativity and problem solving domains what W. Edwards Deming was to the quality improvement domain. Altshuller's impact will be felt for years to come. Coincidence that the middle name we had already chosen for our baby boy, due in October, is Henry, the American version of Genrich? I think not.

Maria B. Thompson, Motorola Intellectual Property Department, USA

The legacy Genrich Saulovich Altshuller leaves behind will long maintain its importance. The understanding of innovation that he has imparted to mankind is priceless and earns for him a place with the greatest thinkers of history. I am indebted to his work as a student, inventor, and man.

Dr. Michael S. Slocum, The Inventioneering Company, Coeditor of the TRIZ Journal published by the TRIZ Institute, USA

Altshuller was one of the greatest thinkers of the century. He was a very determined person. He was determined to pave the way for a new way of thinking regarding problems in innovation. It was a noble goal. Altshuller sacrificed many great opportunities in his life that would have given him wealth. He preferred TRIZ. Altshuller and his science were supported by his many enthusiastic followers. TRIZ has changed the lives of many Alshuller's followers and TRIZ users. TRIZ has helped them to be much more creative and improved effectiveness of their work and results.

Zinovy Royzen, TRIZ Consulting, USA

I feel very sad to receive your e-mail. I had known Dr. Altshuller about fifteen years ago in a Japanese magazine. And I found his TRIZ. I have great respect for his theory and his practice. It is with deep sadness for me to lose Dr. Altshuller. His theory gives me theoretical hints to solve problems. Thank you Dr. Altshuller.

Hidemi Kitaguchi, Toshiba Techno Center, Inc., Japan

Altshuller had the capability to see the future. He began to develop the methodology that he later named TRIZ, in 1940s. In 1980s TRIZ already existed, and existed Altshuller school. But Altshuller already knew that this is not enough. He already had begun to develop the Life Strategy of the Creative Person.

The capability to foresee the future. And not only skills to foresee, but also the capability to fight for the future. That Altshuller showed and taught to us.

Kalevi Rantanen, TRIS OY, Finland

I never have met G.S. Altshuller, but his books changed my life. The effect of the first Althuller's book that I read was like if anybody suddenly switched on light in dark room and I could clear see the things which were hidden in darkness. Since this moment my life was connected with TRIZ.

Gregory Frenklach, Israel

He dedicated his life to a cause that dramatically raised - and continues to raise - the level of society. He initiated, and carried through, a revolution. He accomplished this task with all the odds against him, at every turn in his career. In this respect, he is the ultimate example of the "creative personality" that he studied and introduced in his writings.

Genrich Altshuller has been "drawn up again" - forever to flower and decorate the landscape of the present and of the future - in each of us, and in our children. He resides in our minds, in our experiences, in our capabilities, and most importantly, he will continue to reside in our hearts. May he have a safe journey.

James Kowalick, Renaissance Leadership Institute, the TRIZ University, USA

Dr. Altshuller was a giant. We are fortunate to have had such a leader among us. Like a precious few others, he taught us that we need to do more with less. The central theme of a "contradiction" being the answer rather than a cue to engage in "trades"... The discipline of a lifetime of bringing ideas to others is something that speaks to what is best in mankind, a prayer for the future.

Dr. James Edward Charles, McMunigal, USA

Since my first exposure to TRIZ in 1989, I have often contemplated the amazing contributions of Genrich Altshuller and the global impact he has made with TRIZ. Once again, like Einstein, a man who worked in a patent office has given the world a beacon for breakthrough concepts. Eventually, as the world comprehends and appreciates his legacy, he will receive the acclaim he so richly deserves. Altshuller was to problem solving what Mozart was to music, what Deming was to quality. Today, his passing is mourned, but the elegance of TRIZ which he has bequeathed the world lives on. Mankind was truly blessed by his genius.

Mr. Lee Petersen Melroe - Ingersoll Rand, USA

When I first heard about Mr. Altshuller's discoveries, I was in disbelief. Since then and for the past five years I have been a believer. My life has changed, my way of thinking is altered and, most of all, knowing of Altshuller's creation has become a daily joy. TRIZ and Altshuller are a language that I communicate. They fill the air, touching everyone.

Zion Bar-El President, CEO and founder of Ideation International Inc., USA

An undescribable pain invade my entire body as I learn from Altshuller's passing. I'm finishing my Ph.D. on TRIZ and Altshuller was a night and day enlightenment for my research activities. Now, as his definition of ideality, he will not exist physically but! I'm convinced his ideas and work will soon reach eternity. My only contact with him was on the phone (with an interpreter and his wife between us) about four month ago. I confess it was one of the most intense moment of my professional life.

Denis CAVALLUCCI, President of the Association "TRIZ-France", FRANCE.

Genrich Altshuller did for us what Columbus did for the Europeans. He discovered a New World where we feel as if we are the First Pioneers in America. All the rest of our lives we will be among those who bless his memory.

Gafur and Inlik Zainiev, Ideation International Inc., USA

Genrich Saulovich Altshuller was a unique person. He was unique not just because he developed an amazing science. He was unique because he never asked for anything in return. He never said, "Give me." He always said, "Take this."

In tribute to his memory and to his contribution to mankind, I promise to work diligently to insure that the Altshuller Institute is a success. We will carry out the mandate of making the Altshuller Institute for TRIZ Studies the recognized focal point and standard bearer of technical creativity. We will strive to insure that TRIZ is accepted as a science, and that Genrich Altshuller is globally recognized as its founder.

Lev Shulyak, President of the Altshuller Institute, USA

With a deep sense of sorrow I have learnt of Genrich Altshuller's passing away. I knew him only through the Triz website which I discovered recently. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Subash K Bijlani, Magnus Engineers Pvt Ltd, India

For Genrich Stretcher of Mind Shining Light

You - With creative genius, leadership, courage, generosity, patience, and vision established a legacy for the ages We - humbly strive to stand on your shoulders, and Celebrate your life with gratitude, revence, and great affection

Larry R. Smith, Ford Motor Company, USA