Next, the quote hints at a counterintuitive truth: limits can sharpen invention. A composer restricted to a narrow set of tones may explore rhythm, harmony, and phrasing more boldly; similarly, a leader with limited resources may innovate in logistics, alliances, or tactics. History is full of cases where shortage forces ingenuity—improvised supply lines, unexpected routes, and unconventional timing can outperform superior numbers.
Seen this way, “only a few notes” is not an admission of weakness but a reminder that constraint pushes practitioners to explore the full expressive range of what they already control. [...]
