Although not profoundly unique, the quote attributed to Edison is remarkably biographical.

What did Thomas Edison have that made him the prolific inventor that he became? No formal education, no family connections, and little money. He contracted scarlet fever as a child, leading to recurring middle-ear infections before his teens, leaving him completely deaf in one ear and barely able to hear in the other.

What else did he have? Oh yes. ADHD, according to modern medical professionals.

So, what *was* he? He was persistent, innovative, curious, and entrepreneurial. He sold newspapers, candy and vegetables on trains, turning a $50-a-week profit as a 13 year old boy, and invested it into chemical and electrical experiments.

Thomas Edison’s story is inspirational. What he had was very little. What he was made him the famous inventor that we know today.

💡 Perhaps we should work harder on what we are, rather than what we have. 💡