I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
In plain words
Every way that does not work is one you never have to try again.
Where these words come from
- 40% sureLots of sources credit Thomas Edison with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- widely attributed, no primary source found — Wikiquote Disputed section cites only J. L. Elkhorne's "Edison — The Fabulous Drone" (73 Magazine, March 1967), a secondary "as quoted in" citation 36 years after Edison's death; no primary Edison writing/interview found.
More from Thomas Edison
See allMany 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 EdisonGenius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.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 EdisonTo invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.Thomas EdisonGenius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.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 invention
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao TzuGive me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.
ArchimedesSlow and steady wins the race.
AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.
Ovid
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao TzuGive me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.ArchimedesSlow and steady wins the race.AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.Ovid