Thomas Alva Edison

An inventor, entrepreneur, and pioneer of electrification, he became famous for improving the incandescent light bulb, inventing the phonograph, and contributing to the development of motion-picture technology. At his laboratory in Menlo Park, he popularized systematic team research and obtained more than a thousand patents. His path to success was not without controversy: he engaged in fierce competitive battles and shared or appropriated some achievements. Thomas Alva Edison remains a symbol of ingenuity and industrial research.

Quotes

• Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. ( 67 ×)
• Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ( 8 ×)
• I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. ( 4 ×)