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.

I've realized that most of my best ideas have followed a good night's sleep.

The beauty of a great idea lies in the art of using it.

I never pick up an item without thinking of how I might improve it. I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others. I want to save and advance human life, not destroy it. I am proud of the fact that I never invented weapons to kill. The dove is my emblem.

Success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration!

We don't know a millionth of one percent about anything.

Sticking to it is the genius.