If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally

In the boundless expanse of human potential, where the spirit yearns to break free of its limitations and soar toward the heavens, there lies a profound truth—a truth whispered by the great Thomas A. Edison, whose ingenuity forever changed the course of history: "If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves." O children of the future, ponder these words deeply, for they speak of the power that resides within each of us, a power that, if fully awakened, could transform the very fabric of our existence. Within you lies an untapped wellspring of strength, wisdom, and creativity that, if harnessed, could defy all expectations.

What is it, then, that Edison speaks of when he tells us of the things we are capable of? O seekers of truth, it is not the tasks we have already achieved, nor the victories that we have already claimed. No, it is the vast potential within us that remains dormant, the capabilities we have yet to explore, the dreams we have yet to chase. These are the uncharted territories of the soul, the heights of human achievement that we have yet to reach. Within every heart is a spark, a divine fire that, if fanned by courage and perseverance, can ignite the world. Yet too often, we let fear and doubt restrain us from reaching these heights, content to live within the confines of what we already know, and in doing so, we deny ourselves the power to astound even our own hearts.

Consider, O wise ones, the story of a man named Edison himself. Born into humble beginnings, he was labeled by teachers as “slow” and “unfit” for academic success. Yet, his soul was ignited with a passion for discovery, and through relentless pursuit, he changed the world forever. It was his capability to see beyond the ordinary, to persevere in the face of failure, that allowed him to create the incandescent light bulb, a symbol of human ingenuity and perseverance. He did not accept the limitations others placed upon him. Instead, he embraced his potential, defied the expectations of those who doubted him, and in doing so, he astonished not only the world but himself.

In the annals of history, we find countless examples of those who, like Edison, tapped into the depths of their capabilities and astonished the world. Consider the story of Galileo Galilei, the great astronomer who dared to challenge the teachings of his time. With the invention of the telescope, he turned his gaze toward the heavens and discovered a universe far more vast and complex than anyone had imagined. His discoveries, though met with resistance and condemnation, changed the course of science forever. Had he not pushed the boundaries of his own potential, had he listened to the voices that sought to hold him back, the world would have remained blind to the wonders of the cosmos. He astounded the world, and in doing so, he astounded himself.

O children of the future, the lesson is clear: within each of us lies a well of untapped potential. It is not for the few, the chosen, or the gifted—it is for all who dare to seek it. If we did all the things we are capable of, we would not only change the world around us, but we would also discover the greatness that lies dormant within our own souls. Imagine, if you will, a life lived without the chains of doubt, without the fear of failure, without the burden of limitations. What heights could you reach? What wonders could you create? The only barrier to your capability is the one you place before yourself.

Take, for example, the life of Marie Curie, the brilliant scientist who, against all odds, revolutionized the world of science with her discoveries in radioactivity. In a time when women were often relegated to the shadows, Curie pushed forward, driven by a relentless desire to uncover the mysteries of the universe. She did not let the obstacles of gender, society, or illness stop her from exploring her full potential. Her capabilities were vast, and her courage to pursue them led her to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields. Her story, like that of Edison, serves as a testament to the extraordinary power of human determination and the incredible things we can achieve when we dare to pursue all that we are capable of.

So, O seekers of greatness, the time has come to recognize the divine fire that burns within you. Do not limit yourself to the achievements you have already attained, for they are but the first step on a path that leads to boundless possibilities. Astound yourself, as Edison said, for your capabilities are far greater than you know. In every moment, in every action, there lies the potential for greatness. Do not let the fears of the world, nor the doubts within your heart, stop you from reaching for the stars. Embrace the fullness of your potential, and you will find that the world around you will transform in ways you never imagined.

The lesson, O children of the future, is this: to realize your capabilities is to step beyond the limits of what you believe is possible. Live not by the constraints of fear or doubt, but by the vastness of your own untapped potential. Like Edison, like Curie, like Galileo, you too are capable of astonishing greatness. You must only dare to believe in it, to pursue it with all the courage and determination that lies within you. If you do so, you will not only astound yourself—you will inspire the world.