Harvey Cushing (1869-1939) is considered one of the great surgical innovators of his generation. His strong determination, self-driven attitude, intense desire to succeed, and clear intellect aided him in his ascent to the top of a new field of medicine, neurosurgery. His innovative force is characterized within the context of his personality and the development of the specialty. Details associated with his innovative spirit, as well as the discipline's history, and Cushing's immense contributions to neurosurgery are discussed. Harvey Cushing, in spite of strong personality drawbacks such as his egotistical attitude and hard-driven character, propelled the field of neurosurgery to levels not conceived before because of his innovative principles.