10 Thomas Edison Quotes to Inspire and Motivate You

One of the greatest inventors ever had a lot to say during his time.

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ByRose Leadem

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Thomas Edison

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Known for hishard workethic,perseveranceand ingenuity,Thomas Edisonis one of the greatest, most recognized inventors of all time. From the light bulb to the phonograph, throughout his lifetime Edison held over 1,000 U.S. patents in his name, not to mention hundreds of others around the world.

Related:11 Thomas Jefferson Quotes on Motivation, Mindset, Productivity and More

His major contributions to electricity and power, motion picture, sound recording and even the X-ray machine changed and molded the world that we live in today. Along with his many achievements, Edison’s mindset and work ethic also propelled him to success.

There’s a lot you can learn from this creative genius.

Check out these 10 quotes to motivate and inspire you.

On opportunity

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison

On success

“Good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.” -- Thomas Edison

On creativity

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” -- Thomas Edison

Related:10 Sheryl Sandberg Quotes to Motivate and Inspire You

On hard work

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." -- Thomas Edison

On perseverance

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -- Thomas Edison

On failure

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." -- Thomas Edison

Related:These 11 Steve Jobs Quotes Will Motivate You to Change the World

On empowerment

“If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” -- Thomas Edison

On ideas

“I have more respect for the fellow with a single idea who gets there than for the fellow with a thousand ideas who does nothing.” -- Thomas Edison

On success

“Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.” -- Thomas Edison

Related:12 Quotes From Google's Larry Page on Drive, Success, Creativity and Hard Work

On mindset

“The man who doesn’t make up his mind to cultivate the habit of thinking misses the greatest pleasure in life.” -- Thomas Edison

Rose Leadem
Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com.

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