Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.
In plain words
A tiny bit of brilliance and an enormous amount of hard work.
Where these words come from
- 90% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Harper's Monthly interview, 1932 (Edison also claimed authorship in a 1927 letter). Quote Investigator traces dated print attributions from 1898 (2%/98%, Ladies' Home Journal) evolving to 1%/99% by 1901 (Idaho Daily Statesman) — well-documented lineage, not a misattribution.
More from Thomas Edison
See allI have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
Thomas EdisonMany of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.Thomas EdisonTo invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.Thomas EdisonWe don't know a millionth of one percent about anything.Thomas EdisonI find out what the world needs. Then, I go ahead and invent it.Thomas Edison
Thomas EdisonMany of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.Thomas EdisonTo invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.Thomas EdisonWe don't know a millionth of one percent about anything.Thomas EdisonI find out what the world needs. Then, I go ahead and invent it.Thomas EdisonMore on perseverance
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao TzuSlow and steady wins the race.
AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.
OvidFew things are impossible to diligence and skill.
Samuel Johnson
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao TzuSlow and steady wins the race.AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.OvidFew things are impossible to diligence and skill.Samuel Johnson