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
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.
In practice
In a business meeting to inspire creativity among team members.
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.
If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
I am a vegetarian as well as a passionate anti-alcoholic, because I can thus make better use of my brain.
Genius is not inspired. Inspiration is perspiration.
I didn't fail 1000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1000 steps.
There is no substitute for hard work.
Before success comes in any man's life, he's sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps some failures. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and the most logical thing to do is to quit. That's exactly what the majority of men do.
I bought a company in the mid-'90s called Dexter Shoe and paid $400 million for it. And it went to zero. And I gave about $400 million worth of Berkshire stock, which is probably now worth $400 billion. But I've made lots of dumb decisions. That's part of the game.
Beginning well is a momentary thing; finishing well is a lifelong thing
If there was no Bill Bowerman, there would have been no me. He had about as much of an impact on my life as any one person could have. He taught me about competition and ingrained it in me. He taught me not to praise ordinary performances.
I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success ... Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.
I don't think anybody can claim success at any part of our lives, private or professional, if there are others that don't enjoy the same opportunities.
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