Six in ten say a great idea grows like a seed, not a sudden flash
Core finding
Given a choice between two metaphors for a great idea, nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) say it is more like a seed that gets nurtured and grows over time, according to a March 2026 Verasight survey.
The remaining 37% liken it instead to a light bulb that suddenly turns on.
Topline distribution
Six in ten say a great idea grows like a seed, not a sudden flash.
Would you say that having a great idea is more like a light bulb that suddenly turns on, or is it more like a seed that gets nurtured and grows over time?
n = 1,000 · Mar 6–16, 2026 · MoE ±3.5%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | Mar 6–16, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.5% |
| Module | Module 3: Elections, Civic Life, & the Environment |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/omnibus-2026-044
Would you say that having a great idea is more like a light bulb that suddenly turns on, or is it more like a seed that gets nurtured and grows over time?
Cite this question
Verasight Client Omnibus Survey #2026-044, fielded March 6-16, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.5%.