Originally written in 2011, major edits in 2023

In the previous chapter we discussed the importance of passion. But how does one develop passion? Inspiration is the key to developing passion. Edison said “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” But that doesn’t mean inspiration has less value. That 99% perspiration is impossible in absence of the 1% inspiration. Think of this as a 100 storied building where inspiration is the ground floor- although just 1%, it forms the fundamental basis for the building. Inspiration is what keeps you focused in your aim, that which wakes you from slumber when you are complacent, that which urges you to push forward, take risks, stake everything for the pursuit of a single aim, try one more time, shed one more drop of blood, and fight for a remote chance. Inspiration is all that matters. Without inspiration, there can be no diligence, no confidence, and no passion; thereby no success.