"It is very beautiful over there!" Words spoken in the days before his death
Thomas Alva Edison
With only 3 months of a formal education, Edison became one of the greatest industrial leaders in history. He obtained 1,093 US patents, the most issued to any individual. His greatest contribution was the first practical electric light bulb. He invented the phonograph, and made improvements to the telegraph, telephone and motion-picture technology.
Edison was honest about the advantages of hard work, telling a press conference in 1929:
"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 percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."
He also said:
"Restlessness is discontent- and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man- and I will show you a failure."
-(11 February 1847-18 October 1931)