25 Thomas Edison Quotes on Greatness and Innovation

These Thomas Edison quotes are sure to motivate you to never give up.

If you thought these quotes were inspiring, share your favorite in the comments below.

Thomas Edison was an American inventor, scientist, and businessman who is regarded as being one of the most prolific inventors of all time.

He had a major impact on modern life, contributing inventions in areas such as electric power generation, communication, motion pictures, and sound recording.

Born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio, Edison would work as a telegraph operator early in his career.

He developed many of his early inventions in his first laboratory facility in Menlo Park, New Jersey, which he established in 1876.

By the time of his death in 1931, Edison had more than 1,000 patents for his inventions.

He is considered one of America’s greatest inventors and will always be remembered as someone who never let failure stop him from achieving his purpose.

He persevered until he found what he wanted.

As a man who lived an active and complex life full of projects and business ventures, Edison clearly used his Everyday Power well.

There are a lot of lessons we can learn from his life and words of wisdom.

In his honor, below is our collection of inspirational, wise and thought-provoking Thomas Edison quotes and Thomas Edison sayings, collected from a variety of sources over the years.

Don’t forget to also read our compilation of thoughtful Nikola Tesla quotes for understanding humanity.

Check out our most popular quote article, a list of short inspirational quotes for daily inspiration.

Check out our entire collection of motivational quotes here. 

Thomas Edison quotes on greatness and innovation

1. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison

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2. “What you are will show in what you do.”  – Thomas A. Edison

3. “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.”  – Thomas A. Edison

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4. “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” – Thomas A. Edison

5. “Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have.”  – Thomas A. Edison

6. “Not everything of value in life comes from books- experience the world.”  – Thomas A. Edison

7. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” – Thomas A. Edison

8. “Hard work, nothing to divert my thought, clear air and simple food made my life very pleasant.”  – Thomas A. Edison

9. “Vision without execution is hallucination.” – Thomas A. Edison

10. “You can’t realize your dreams unless you have one to begin with.”  – Thomas A. Edison

Thomas Edison quotes on success

11. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”  – Thomas A. Edison

12. “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” – Thomas A. Edison

13. “We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present.” – Thomas A. Edison

14. “I’ve never made a mistake. I’ve only learned from experience.” – Thomas A. Edison

15. “I don’t live with the past; I am living for to-day and to-morrow.” – Thomas A. Edison

16. “What a man’s mind can create, man’s character should control.” – Thomas A. Edison

17. “I readily absorb ideas from every source, frequently starting where the last person left off.” – Thomas A. Edison

18. “Inspiration can be found in a pile of junk. Sometimes, you can put it together with a good imagination and invent something.” – Thomas A. Edison

19. “Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.” – Thomas A. Edison

20. “Success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration!” – Thomas A. Edison

21. “Good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.” – Thomas A. Edison

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Thomas Edison quotes to motivate you to reach your goals

22. “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

23. “Never get discouraged if you fail. Learn from it. Keep trying.” – Thomas A. Edison

24. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas A. Edison

25. “Discontent is the first necessity of progress.” – Thomas A. Edison

Which of these Thomas Edison quotes was your favorite?

Although Thomas Edison is credited with the many tools and conveniences of modern life, he did not have an easy path towards greatness.

He started from humble beginnings and worked his way to becoming an inventor of major technology.

As one of the greatest inventors of all time, there’s a lot every one of us can learn from Edison’s life.

Hopefully, these words of wisdom from the “Wizard of Menlo Park” have taught and inspired you.

If you love science and invention, check out this article: 19 Scientific Advances of 2020 That Will Shape the Future.

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