Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.

The inventor is a man who looks around upon the world and is not contented with things as they are. He wants to improve whatever he sees, he wants to benefit the world; he is haunted by an idea. The spirit of invention possesses him, seeking materialization.

First words on the first telephone - "Mr. Watson - come here - I want to see you."

Washington is no place in which to carry out inventions

Leave the beaten track behind occasionally and dive into the woods.

A man, as a general rule, owes very little to what he is born with - a man is what he makes of himself.

The telephone will be used to inform people that a telegram has been sent.