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
Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Failure in achieving a specific goal doesn't negate the value of an experience or invention.
This quote by Thomas A. Edison emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value in failures or unexpected outcomes. It suggests that even if a particular endeavor does not meet its intended purpose, it can still provide valuable insights or serve functions that were not initially anticipated, thus holding inherent worth.
Themes
FailureValueInnovationLearningExperience
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to students about innovation and creativity.
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
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The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.
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The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
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