One might think that the money value of an invention constitutes its reward to the man who loves his work. But... I continue to find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success.

Discontent is the first necessity of progress.

There is much more opportunity than there are people to see it.

I remember that I was never able to get along at school. I was at the foot of the class.

Invention is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration

Until man duplicates a blade of grass, nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge. Remedies from chemicals will never stand in favor compared with the products of nature, the living cell of the plant, the final result of the rays of the sun, the mother of all life.

I never once failed at making a light bulb. I just found out 99 ways not to make one.