Keep on the lookout for novel ideas that others have used successfully. Your idea has to be original only in its adaptation to the problem you're working on.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Edison emphasizes that the value of an invention lies in its ability to sell, which indicates its usefulness and contributes to success.
In this quote, Thomas A. Edison expresses the idea that the true measure of an invention's worth is not merely in its creation, but in its marketability. He suggests that if something cannot be sold, it lacks practical value, and thus he has no interest in pursuing it. Essentially, Edison equates utility with success, reinforcing the notion that inventions should serve a purpose and deliver benefits to the consumer.
Themes
InventionUtilitySuccessMarketabilityValue
In practice
Example use cases
During a business conference when discussing the importance of product development.
More from Thomas A. Edison
All quotes βIf we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
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I am a vegetarian as well as a passionate anti-alcoholic, because I can thus make better use of my brain.
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Genius is not inspired. Inspiration is perspiration.
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I didn't fail 1000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1000 steps.
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There is no substitute for hard work.
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