10 Thomas Edison Quotes That Will Inspire Entrepreneurial Success

By Brandon Vogel

Dubbed “the wizard of Menlo Park,” Thomas Edison is recognized as a prolific inventor; boasting 1,093 U.S. Patents and 2,332 patents worldwide, Edison’s numerous innovations including the motion picture industry, the long-lasting electric light bulb, and the X-ray machine, revolutionized our daily lives. However, even more than his devices, Edison’s greatest contribution was his business acumen—his advancements in industrial research & development and mass production set new corporate standards for the modern world.

As one of the greatest entrepreneurial minds of the 20^th century, we can learn a lot from Edison’s business practices. Here are 10 Edison quotes that will inspire success:

1. “There is no substitute for hard work.”
2. “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
3. “What you are will show in what you do.”
4. “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
5. “Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.”
6. “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.”
7. “There’s a way to do it better – find it.”
8. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.”
9. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
10. “Learn with both your head and hands.”