Thomas Edison

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Utility of discovery

  “an endless wealth of phenomena noted by experimenters from Gilbert to Franklin and Faraday awaited the invention that could alone render them useful to mankind.”

  Our noteEdison discussing how scientific observations remain dormant until an inventor applies them to human needs.

• Giving credit

  “In his testimony and public utterances Edison has always given Bell credit for the discovery of the transmission of articulate speech by talking against a diaphragm placed in front of an electromagnet”

  Our noteEdison acknowledges Alexander Graham Bell as the true inventor of the telephone.

• Product Maturity Gap

  “The original phonograph, as invented by Edison, remained in its crude and immature state for almost ten years--still the object of philosophical interest, and as a convenient text-book illustration of the effect of sound vibration.”

  Our noteEdison reflects on the long period before the phonograph became a commercial success.

• Renewed Commercial Effort

  “In 1887 his time was comparatively free, and the phonograph was then taken up with renewed energy, and the effort made to overcome its mechanical defects and to furnish a commercial instrument”

  Our noteEdison describes returning to the phonograph after focusing on the light bulb.

• Humanity's sleeping habits

  “Why mankind should sleep through several hours of sunlight in the morning, and stay awake through a needless time in the evening, can probably only be attributed to total depravity.”

  Our noteEdison was discussing the inefficiency of human habits regarding natural light and the need for artificial illumination.

• Undaunted by scale

  “The mere fact that even with the successful production of the electric lamp the assault on the complete problem of commercial lighting would hardly be begun did not deter him in the slightest.”

  Our noteEdison faced a massive challenge that went far beyond just inventing a bulb.

• High product demand

  “It was a question of keeping such visitors away rather than of inviting them to take up the exploitation of the Edison system”

  Our noteEdison was overwhelmed by international businessmen seeking rights to his lighting system.

• Sacrifice for business

  “After the experience Edison could never again be tempted to quit his laboratory and work for any length of time; but in this instance there were some advantages attached to the sacrifice”

  Our noteEdison reflects on the necessity of leaving his lab to manage business affairs in New York City.

• Humility in knowledge

  “We don't know a millionth of one percent about anything.”

  Our noteReflecting on the vastness of unknown facts in science.

• Requirements for invention

  “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”

  Our noteDefining the practical elements needed for creativity.