Thomas A. Edison
Thomas A. Edison
Thomas Alva Edisonwas an American inventor and businessman. He developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. Dubbed "The Wizard of Menlo Park", he was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of mass production and large-scale teamwork to the process of invention, and because of that, he is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionInventor
Date of Birth11 February 1847
CountryUnited States of America
Thomas A. Edison quotes about
Of all my inventions, I liked the phonograph best
I have been at work for some time building an apparatus to see if it is possible for personalities which have left this earth to communicate with us.
It is apparent to me that the possibilities of the aeroplane, which two or three years ago were thought to hold the solution to the [flying machine] problem, have been exhausted, and that we must turn elsewhere.
X-rays ... I am afraid of them. I stopped experimenting with them two years ago, when I came near to losing my eyesight and Dally, my assistant practically lost the use of both of his arms.
It is astonishing what an effort it seems to be for many people to put their brains definitely and systematically to work.
His genius he was quite content in one brief sentence to define; Of inspiration one percent, of perspiration, ninety nine.
They say President Wilson has blundered. Perhaps he has, but I notice he usually blunders forward.
One might think that the money value of an invention constitutes its reward to the man who loves his work. But... I continue to find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success.
It is very beautiful over there. (last words)
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.
I remember that I was never able to get along at school. I was at the foot of the class.
An idea is something that won't work unless you do.
Problems in human engineering will receive during the coming years the same genius and attention which the nineteenth century gave to the more material forms of engineering. We have laid good foundations for industrial prosperity, now we want to assure the happiness and growth of the workers through vocational education, vocational guidance, and wisely managed employment departments. A great field for industrial experimentation and statemanship is opening up.
I am afraid of radium and polonium ... I don't want to monkey with them.