Thomas Edison

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

I have more respect for the man who is trying to get somewhere than for the man who has gotten somewhere and is resting on his laurels.

I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others. I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to try and invent it.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around.

If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.

I am not a vegetarian. I eat meat, but I don't eat much meat. I eat very little meat.

I have no respect for the man who says he is too busy to read. He is too busy to live.

There's a way to do it better - find it.

I am more of a sponge than a scientist.

Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.

The value of an idea lies in the using of it.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.

I am not a believer in the theory of evolution. I believe in the theory of creation.

I have never seen a man who was afraid of a woman. I have seen men who were afraid of women's tongues.

My principal business is to be a failure. I fail in a great many things. Every time I fail, I learn something. That is the way I succeed.

I have always been a great admirer of women. I think they are the most wonderful creatures on earth.

The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.

I am an old man, but I am still learning.

I don't care how many inventions I make. I want to make one that will benefit humanity.