@dan007blanchard Two titans of industry became good friends near the turn of the 20th century. One was an older gentleman who had supposedly failed 10,000 times at creating a better, longer-lasting light bulb before he managed to get it right. The other one was a younger man who was feeling a little worn out from criticism, but about to permanently change the world with his contributions of the assembly line and the Model T.
It is said that the older gentleman, Thomas Edison, was reminded of himself when he looked at the younger struggling Henry Ford. It broke Edison’s heart whenever he saw people getting down on Ford, and giving him a hard time about his failures. Edison felt Ford’s pain.
If anybody knew about failures, it would be Thomas Edison. He failed 10,000 times to create a better, longer-lasting light bulb and was highly criticized for it. Thus, Edison was the perfect role model and mentor for the young, struggling, and battered Henry Ford.
Edison taught Ford that you only fail when you give up. He explained to Ford that his own 10,000 attempts at creating a better light bulb weren’t really 10,000 failures, but rather 10,000 ways that didn’t work. And each way that didn’t work brought him that much closer to what would work. This philosophy of success and failure is what drove Edison to work tirelessly on perfecting the light bulb, and later the energy grid.
From his well-earned life experiences, Edison came up with his famous saying that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Basically, success comes from hard work! Got it? Good!
Hey, I think we all can agree that we’re a little better off now that both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford worked hard and didn’t give up when they were down and out, and taking some beatings from the naysayers.
Edison’s light bulb and system of electricity, as well as Ford’s assembly line and automobiles, helped launch the United States into an industrial world powerhouse. They helped create the world's largest middle class, which has benefited us in more ways than we can count, even if that middle class is somewhat struggling today, all these years later.
In addition, I also think we all need to be thankful that Mr. Edison saw the potential in the young Henry Ford, and wouldn’t let him quit when things were going wrong, and it would have been easy to stop. Remember, sometimes even the best of us need mentors…
Now teens, as my Granddaddy always said. “Go learn, lead and lay the way to a better world for all of us.” Remember, nothing replaces hard work! Keep your chin up, and keep finding ways to get closer to your goals. Also, keep your eyes open for someone else that may need help. Encourage him or her not to quit. You never know what the impact of your kind words and encouragement could evolve into down the road through the efforts of our next great Americans… And once again, thanks in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do…
Bio
Dan Blanchard is a bestselling and award-winning author, speaker, and educator who has been featured in over 100 television and radio shows, as well as several of the World’s Top Ten Podcasts. Dan also now has a weekly television show. Learn more about Dan: www.DanBlanchard.net
It is said that the older gentleman, Thomas Edison, was reminded of himself when he looked at the younger struggling Henry Ford. It broke Edison’s heart whenever he saw people getting down on Ford, and giving him a hard time about his failures. Edison felt Ford’s pain.
If anybody knew about failures, it would be Thomas Edison. He failed 10,000 times to create a better, longer-lasting light bulb and was highly criticized for it. Thus, Edison was the perfect role model and mentor for the young, struggling, and battered Henry Ford.
Edison taught Ford that you only fail when you give up. He explained to Ford that his own 10,000 attempts at creating a better light bulb weren’t really 10,000 failures, but rather 10,000 ways that didn’t work. And each way that didn’t work brought him that much closer to what would work. This philosophy of success and failure is what drove Edison to work tirelessly on perfecting the light bulb, and later the energy grid.
From his well-earned life experiences, Edison came up with his famous saying that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Basically, success comes from hard work! Got it? Good!
Hey, I think we all can agree that we’re a little better off now that both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford worked hard and didn’t give up when they were down and out, and taking some beatings from the naysayers.
Edison’s light bulb and system of electricity, as well as Ford’s assembly line and automobiles, helped launch the United States into an industrial world powerhouse. They helped create the world's largest middle class, which has benefited us in more ways than we can count, even if that middle class is somewhat struggling today, all these years later.
In addition, I also think we all need to be thankful that Mr. Edison saw the potential in the young Henry Ford, and wouldn’t let him quit when things were going wrong, and it would have been easy to stop. Remember, sometimes even the best of us need mentors…
Now teens, as my Granddaddy always said. “Go learn, lead and lay the way to a better world for all of us.” Remember, nothing replaces hard work! Keep your chin up, and keep finding ways to get closer to your goals. Also, keep your eyes open for someone else that may need help. Encourage him or her not to quit. You never know what the impact of your kind words and encouragement could evolve into down the road through the efforts of our next great Americans… And once again, thanks in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do…
Bio
Dan Blanchard is a bestselling and award-winning author, speaker, and educator who has been featured in over 100 television and radio shows, as well as several of the World’s Top Ten Podcasts. Dan also now has a weekly television show. Learn more about Dan: www.DanBlanchard.net