A bent nail stands in a small piece of wood surrounded by curled shavings in warm workshop light.

Original artwork, not a still

Misattributed to Thomas Edison

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker reframes repeated unsuccessful attempts as findings: each one rules out a way, so no failure has occurred, only progress in elimination.

Context reviewed

Share this quote