If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search. ... [J]ust a little theory and calculation would have saved him ninety percent of his labor.
Interpretation
This quote illustrates the importance of combining theory with practice to enhance efficiency in problem-solving.
Nikola Tesla describes Thomas Edison's approach to searching for a needle in a haystack as one of relentless labor without using theoretical insights to guide his efforts. While Edison is characterized as industrious and determined, Tesla argues that a deeper understanding and application of theory could have significantly reduced the effort required, thus highlighting the balance between hard work and intelligent planning in achieving success.
In practice
In a motivational speech about hard work and smart planning, one could quote Tesla's perspective to emphasize the importance of efficiency.
Even matter called inorganic, believed to be dead, responds to irritants and gives unmistakable evidence of a living principle within. Everything that exists, organic or inorganic, animated or inert, is susceptible to stimulus from the outside.
Our senses enable us to perceive only a minute portion of the outside world.
Every living being is an engine geared to the wheelwork of the universe. Though seemingly affected only by its immediate surrounding, the sphere of external influence extends to infinite distance.
The history of science shows that theories are perishable. With every new truth that is revealed we get a better understanding of Nature and our conceptions and views are modified.
The Secretary of Hygiene or Physical Culture will be far more important in the cabinet of the President of the United States who holds office in the year 2035 than the Secretary of War.
I am unwilling to accord to some small−minded and jealous individuals the satisfaction of having thwarted my efforts. These men are to me nothing more than microbes of a nasty disease. My project was retarded by laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time, but the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success.
Every nation whose affairs betray a want of wisdom and stability may calculate on every loss which can be sustained from the more systematic policy of its wiser neighbors.
Life without knowledge is death in disguise.
Pain serves a purpose. Without it you are in danger. What you cannot feel you cannot take care of.
I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself.
The best investment you can make, is an investment in yourself... The more you learn, the more you'll earn.
Helping others is perhaps the greatest joy! You cannot have a perfect day without helping others with no thought of getting something in return.
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