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 βIf we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
I am a vegetarian as well as a passionate anti-alcoholic, because I can thus make better use of my brain.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
Genius is not inspired. Inspiration is perspiration.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
I didn't fail 1000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1000 steps.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
There is no substitute for hard work.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
Similar quotes
Iteration, not ideation, is the most important part of early stage entrepreneurship. You have to have a lot of ideas - a lot of bad ideas - if you want to end up with a good one.
Marc RandolphRead
Success is a result of consistent practice of winning skills and actions. There is nothing miraculous about the process. There is no luck involved.
Bill RussellRead
I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom.
George S. PattonRead
In my 14 years, catching 200 yards or scoring 3 touchdowns in a game, breaking a record - none of those compared to winning the Super Bowl for the first time.
Shannon SharpeRead
It was a very long and hard decision. My dad kept telling me, 'You can always go to college, but you can't always go pro.' That made sense to me.
Simone BilesRead
The best thing I ever did was when I was offered a million dollars to go play in South Africa and didn't take it. I was 21 years old, and part of it was like, 'Well, if they're offering me this obscene amount of money just to play one match, there must be something really wrong.'
John McenroeRead