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About this quote

What does it mean?
Edison admits to copying ideas in business but claims he does it more effectively than others.
In plain terms
Everyone copies in business, but Edison believes he copies better than his competitors.
What can you take from it?
Copying is common in business, but skill matters in how you do it.

Where it applies

  • industry
  • commerce
  • development

Putting it to work

  • study competitors
  • adapt ideas
  • protect work

Questions to consider

  • Where is the line between inspiration and theft?
  • How do you protect your ideas?

Another view

Copying others work without credit is often unethical or illegal.

More from Thomas Alva Edison

  1. To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.

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  2. I find out what the world needs. Then, I go ahead and invent it.

    Permalink to quote #24
  3. If our nation can issue a dollar bond, it can issue a dollar bill. The element that makes the bond good, makes the bill good also. The difference between the b…

    Permalink to quote #21

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