Thomas A. Edison
Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed the phonograph, practical incandescent light bulbs, and motion-picture technologies. He held 1,093 U.S. patents and founded companies that contributed to the modern electrical and film industries.
Quotes by Thomas A. Edison
Quotes: 4

Turning Failure Into Data: Edison’s Iterative Wisdom
Finally, turning failure into data requires the right social climate. Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety (The Fearless Organization, 2019) shows that teams learn faster when people can surface errors without fear of punishment, enabling early fixes. Yet accountability matters too; high-stakes domains constrain learning to simulations, checklists, and redundancy. As Atul Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto (2009) illustrates, structured procedures let aviation and medicine harvest lessons from near-misses while protecting lives. Thus, Edison’s spirit endures—not as license to be careless, but as a disciplined invitation to learn faster than the problem. [...]
Created on: 10/25/2025

Understanding Comes Through Action, Not Observation - Thomas A. Edison
Known for his relentless work ethic and numerous inventions, Edison's life exemplified the principle of learning through action. This quote mirrors his hands-on approach to discovery and progress. [...]
Created on: 4/4/2025

The Chief Function of the Body Is to Carry the Brain Around - Thomas A. Edison
The quote offers a philosophical take on the human body, suggesting that our ultimate purpose is defined more by our mental achievements than by physical existence. [...]
Created on: 12/27/2024

We Often Miss Opportunity Because It's Dressed in Overalls and Looks Like Work - Thomas A. Edison
Thomas Edison was a prolific inventor during the Industrial Age, a time when manual labor and hard work were celebrated. His perspective is shaped by the era's belief that innovation and success came through persistent effort and sacrifice. [...]
Created on: 10/7/2024