I told [Kruesi] 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.

An average American loves his family. If he has any love left over for some other person, he generally selects Mark Twain.

My mother was the making of me.

None of my inventions came by accident. I see a worthwhile need to be met and I make trial after trial until it comes. What it boils down to is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.

There is no limit to which a man will not go to avoid thinking.

I have determined that there is no market for talking pictures

The radio craze will die out in time.