Reframe failure as progress
ResilienceEvery failed experiment is valuable because it eliminates a non-working solution, bringing the inventor closer to the final goal.
Hall of Masters
Thomas Edison
토머스 에디슨
Product and engineering1847-1931
Inventor and founder of the first industrial research laboratory
701 records in all
- Principles 276
- Episodes 377
- Quotes 48
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Principles
41 basic records of 276
Principles are our summary of their public statements.
Cross-Disciplinary Reading
LearningStudy a vast range of technical and scientific subjects beyond one's primary field to find unexpected inspirations and solutions.
Observe industrial processes closely
CreativityPay close attention to mechanical processes and how things are built to understand the forces at work.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Negotiate higher for difficult conditions
NegotiationIf a task involves high risk or difficult conditions, demand a higher price to cover extra help or resources.
Study the environment before starting
RiskAvoid entering a new enterprise without understanding the local risks and environmental factors that could cause failure.
Innovation can be risky
RiskImproving a system without official approval can lead to resentment from superiors and even job loss, despite the technical success.
Learn from adjacent experts
LearningSeek opportunities to listen to intellectual discussions between experts in related fields to broaden your perspective and gain satisfaction.
Specialize where you have an edge
CareerRecognizing he was a poor sender, he focused on receiving press reports where his reading habits gave him a competitive advantage.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Master the Fundamentals Through Practice
LearningTrue understanding comes from attempting every experiment in the literature and focusing on practical application rather than abstract theory.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Self-directed learning through resources
LearningHe actively seeks out specialized knowledge from second-hand bookstores to gain an edge over formally educated peers.
Prioritize Practical Utility
ProductHe focused on creating instruments that were simple enough for anyone to use with minimal training, ensuring broader market appeal.
Prioritize Interchangeability in Design
ProductRecognize the vital importance of interchangeable parts early in the development of sensitive apparatus to ensure scalability and ease of repair.
Pursue Parallel Innovation
ProductivityMaintain high productivity by working on dozens of different inventions simultaneously to keep the mind fresh and active.
Leverage patents for royalties
StrategyUse strong patent portfolios to negotiate long-term revenue shares even when exiting a specific market segment.
Monetize Early Through Exhibitions
CashBefore a product is ready for mass consumer use, its novelty can be monetized through paid exhibitions and roadshows.
Anticipate Diverse Use Cases
StrategyA founder should list all potential applications for a new technology, even if only a few become commercially viable in the short term.
Supporting quotes
The original phonograph, as invented by Edison, remained in its crude and immature state for almost ten years--still the object of philosophical interest, and as a convenient text-book illustration of the effect of sound vibration.
In 1887 his time was comparatively free, and the phonograph was then taken up with renewed energy, and the effort made to overcome its mechanical defects and to furnish a commercial instrument
Source Thomas Edison Edison: His Life and Inventions (opens in a new tab)
Iterate Materials for Durability
ProductSwitching to harder materials like sapphire for critical components ensures the product maintains its form and resists wear over time.
Supporting quotes
The original phonograph, as invented by Edison, remained in its crude and immature state for almost ten years--still the object of philosophical interest, and as a convenient text-book illustration of the effect of sound vibration.
In 1887 his time was comparatively free, and the phonograph was then taken up with renewed energy, and the effort made to overcome its mechanical defects and to furnish a commercial instrument
Source Thomas Edison Edison: His Life and Inventions (opens in a new tab)
Lower Barriers to Entry
PricingReducing manufacturing costs and retail prices is essential to creating mass-market demand for a new technology.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Hire Complementary Skill Sets
HiringSuccess comes from combining a visionary with a practical superintendent who can distribute work and a patient technician who can execute fine experiments.
Prioritize practical results over theory
DecisionsChoose the simplest, most direct method to solve a problem rather than getting bogged down in complex theoretical calculations.
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