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
It has been just so in all my inventions. The first step is an intuition-and comes with a burst, then difficulties arise. This thing that gives out and then that-"Bugs"as such little faults and difficulties are called show themselves and months of anxious watching, study and labor are requisite before commercial success-or failure-is certainly reached.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Innovation often begins with a sudden insight but requires persistence to navigate challenges.
Thomas A. Edison highlights the dual nature of inventing: the initial spark of inspiration is quickly followed by numerous challenges and setbacks that must be overcome. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and dedication in transforming an idea into a successful commercial product, acknowledging that the journey is filled with both excitement and obstacles that demand careful attention and hard work.
Themes
InnovationPerseveranceSuccessInventionChallenges
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about entrepreneurial spirit.
More from Thomas A. Edison
All quotes →If 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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