Which word did Thomas Edison say describes one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration?

• A. Genius
• B. Luck
• C. Talent
• D. Patience

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that real breakthroughs come from sustained effort as much as a flash of insight. The word Edison used to describe that drive is genius. He famously said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,” meaning a bright idea is only the starting spark; turning it into something real requires hard work, trial and error, and constant refinement. This helps explain why luck or raw talent alone isn’t enough—the quote emphasizes that the heavy lifting—work, persistence, and iteration—is what makes ideas come to life. So the term that fits this description is genius, since it labels the remarkable result that comes from combining a small moment of inspiration with extensive effort.