"I start where the last man left off"

This quote by Thomas A. Edison speaks with the value of building on the work of those who have actually come prior to us. Edison was a respected creator and innovator, and he comprehended that progress is often made by basing on the shoulders of giants. He was not content to merely repeat the work of others, however rather looked for to push the limits of what was possible. By beginning where the last man left off, Edison had the ability to make considerable advances in the fields of electricity, sound recording, and motion pictures. He was a firm follower in the power of partnership and the importance of learning from the successes and failures of those who had preceded him. Edison's quote is a suggestion that progress is often made by developing on the work of others, which we should strive to take advantage of the understanding and experience of those who have actually come prior to us.