I find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success.

— Thomas A. Edison

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

— Thomas A. Edison

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

— Thomas A. Edison

I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.

— Thomas A. Edison

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

— Thomas A. Edison

I haven't failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

— Thomas A. Edison

I know this world is ruled by infinite intelligence. Everything that surrounds us- everything that exists - proves that there are infinite laws behind it. There can be no denying this fact. It is mathematical in its precision.

— Thomas A. Edison

I never did a day's work in my life. It was all fun.

— Thomas A. Edison

It is astonishing what an effort it seems to be for many people to put their brains definitely and systematically to work.

— Thomas A. Edison

I told [John Truest] I was going to record talking, and then have the machine talk back. He thought it absurd. However, it was finished, the foil was put on; I then shouted 'Mary had a little lamb', etc. I adjusted the reproducer, and the machine reproduced it perfectly.[On first words spoken on a phonograph.]

— Thomas A. Edison