We need to look to the future. You can't come up with new things unless you constantly forget the past. There's no reason to keep wearing the same pair of pants.

The quote by Andrew Lau speaks to the importance of innovation and the need to embrace change in order to create new ideas. By saying "We need to look to the future," Lau emphasizes the necessity of focusing on what is to come, rather than being bogged down by the past. He suggests that progress is only possible if we are willing to move forward and let go of outdated ideas or methods that no longer serve us.

Lau's statement "You can't come up with new things unless you constantly forget the past" highlights the idea that in order to innovate, we must be willing to release the constraints of past experiences, traditions, and conventions. This doesn't mean ignoring the past entirely, but rather recognizing when it’s time to adapt and evolve. For Lau, creation and growth come from being unafraid to leave behind what is familiar in pursuit of something new and better.

The metaphor of "There's no reason to keep wearing the same pair of pants" serves as a vivid illustration of this idea. Just as it would be impractical to wear the same pair of pants indefinitely, it’s equally unwise to cling to outdated practices or ideas that no longer fit the needs of the present or future. This part of the quote emphasizes that to thrive, we must be willing to reassess and make necessary changes as we evolve.

Ultimately, Lau’s quote reflects a forward-thinking mindset, encouraging a focus on the future and a willingness to release past attachments that might hinder growth. It challenges us to prioritize innovation and the pursuit of new possibilities, rather than being confined by what has come before.