“Nearly every man who develops an idea works it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then he gets discouraged. That’s not the place to become discouraged.”
- February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931
- European American
- Inventor and businessman
- The “king of inventors” who obtained over 1,000 patents, including the practical application of the incandescent light bulb
Quote
“Nearly every man who develops an idea works it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then he gets discouraged. That’s not the place to become discouraged.”
Explanation
In this quote, Edison highlights a common experience for anyone trying to bring an idea to life: reaching a point where the goal feels out of reach and impossible. He acknowledges that this moment of discouragement often comes when someone is on the verge of a breakthrough, but the path forward appears unclear or too challenging. Edison’s advice is clear—this is not the time to give up. Instead, it’s precisely at this point that one should push through the doubts and continue to put in the work. Edison himself experienced countless moments where his inventions seemed impossible, yet his perseverance and determination allowed him to persist and eventually succeed.
This message is especially relevant today in entrepreneurship and innovation, where ideas can often appear unfeasible at first glance. For example, the development of complex technologies like the internet, smartphones, or even electric vehicles all started with seemingly impossible ideas. Many inventors and leaders faced moments of discouragement, but by continuing to work through these challenges, they were able to transform their visions into reality. Edison’s quote encourages modern innovators to stay resilient in the face of setbacks and to view these moments as opportunities to refine and persist rather than as signs to quit.
On a personal level, this quote is a reminder that success rarely comes easily and that the most rewarding achievements often require overcoming the greatest obstacles. Whether pursuing a career goal, starting a new project, or working on personal growth, it’s important to recognize that moments of discouragement are often signs that you are close to success. Edison’s words teach us that when things seem impossible, we must keep going, knowing that it’s precisely through persistence during these challenging moments that we can ultimately reach our goals.
