“When I have fully decided that a result is worth getting I go ahead of it and make trial after trial until it comes.”
- 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
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Quote
“When I have fully decided that a result is worth getting I go ahead of it and make trial after trial until it comes.”
Explanation
In this quote, Edison reflects his unwavering determination and commitment to achieving a goal, no matter how many obstacles or failures may arise. He emphasizes that once he has made a clear decision about what he wants to achieve, he will tirelessly pursue it, making numerous attempts until success is reached. This mindset was integral to Edison’s work ethic, as he often conducted hundreds or even thousands of experiments before perfecting his inventions, such as the light bulb. For Edison, success wasn’t about getting things right on the first try, but about being persistent and resilient in the face of challenges.
This idea is particularly relevant today, especially in fields like entrepreneurship, technology, and research and development. Many successful innovations and startups were born from trial and error, where entrepreneurs were willing to fail repeatedly in order to find the right solution. Edison’s attitude encourages modern inventors, business leaders, and individuals to embrace the process of continuous learning and iteration. For example, tech companies like SpaceX and Amazon faced numerous failures along the way but continued to push forward with their vision until they achieved their goals.
On a personal level, Edison’s quote speaks to the importance of commitment and persistence in achieving anything worthwhile. Whether it’s pursuing a long-term career goal, learning a new skill, or overcoming personal challenges, his words remind us that dedication and effort are essential ingredients to success. It’s a reminder that the journey to success is rarely linear, and that trial, failure, and eventual success are all part of the same process. Edison’s willingness to keep going until he achieved his desired result is a powerful lesson in resilience and the importance of not giving up.
