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
My principal business is giving commercial value to the brilliant - but misdirected - ideas of others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Edison emphasizes the importance of recognizing and harnessing the potential of others' ideas for success.
In this quote, Thomas A. Edison reflects on his role as an innovator and entrepreneur, highlighting that his primary focus is on transforming the unique, yet often misguided, ideas of others into commercially viable products. This suggests that the ability to recognize the value in ideas that may initially appear flawed is crucial for achieving true success and innovation in business.
Themes
InnovationIdeasSuccessEntrepreneurshipValue
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting to inspire creativity among team members.
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
Ability may get you to the top, nut it takes chracter to keep you there - mental, moral, and physical.
John WoodenRead
Be swift to take advantage of business opportunities. Bigger companies are too cumbersome to move quickly; this can be a competitive advantage for you.
Richard BransonRead
If your only goal is to become rich, you will never achieve it.
John D. RockefellerRead
Hopefully, we can build a rivalry and we'll be able to do this a lot. Make a legacy, then retire champions.
Serena WilliamsRead
In order to get as much fame as one's father one has to much more able than he.
Denis DiderotRead
Good luck is when opportunity meets preparation, while bad luck is when lack of preparation meets reality.
Eliyahu GoldrattRead