“Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

What does it mean?

Great ideas are only a tiny part of success. Almost all of it comes from long, hard work.

Key vocabulary

inspiration

a sudden good idea

perspiration

sweat; here, hard physical or mental work

• “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”– Often attributed to Thomas Edison
• “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”– Often attributed to Thomas Edison