Dictionary

genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration en · X

Etymology

Attributed to Thomas Edison.

Meanings

1. A genius depends more on hard work than imagination.
   • The whole thing is to keep working and pretty soon they'll think you're good. Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration. 2003, Lagoon Books, How to Be a Huge Success, →ISBN:
   • His life mirrored his words: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” 2015, Christine A. Hult, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book, →ISBN:
   • In the adage that says “genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration,” this is the all important one percent. 2006, John Kundert-Gibbs, Peter Lee, Dariush Derakhshani, Maya 5 Savvy, →ISBN, page 34:
   • Thomas Edison famously said that “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” What that means is “inspired” ideas may come and go, but to make them function is a lot of hard work March 2, 2017, John Wright, “Column: The Power of Persistence”, in Parker Life:
   • Certainly he has shown himself to be one step cleverer than inventor Thomas Edison with the simple philosophy he has brought to Stamford Bridge, very much in line with the famous quote, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” 26 December 2016, Matthew Dun, “Chelsea stars shed light on Antonio Conte's genius as they bid to continue winning streak”, in Daily Express (UK):

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