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
Negative results are just what I want. They’re just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don’t.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Negative results are as important as positive ones in the pursuit of success.
This quote by Thomas A. Edison emphasizes the value of failures and negative outcomes in the process of innovation and discovery. Edison suggests that each unsuccessful attempt brings him closer to finding a solution, as understanding what doesn't work is crucial for identifying what does work, underpinning the idea that perseverance and learning from failure are essential components of success.
Themes
FailureSuccessLearningInnovationPerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire entrepreneurs.
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.
Thomas A. EdisonRead
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