Appeals Quote by Thomas A. Edison
“I am not overly impressed by the great names and reputations of those who might be trying to beat me to an invention. It's their 'ideas' that appeal to me. I am quite correctly described as 'more of a sponge than an inventor”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Innovation Philosophy, 1905
Edison values ideas over fame, likening himself to a sponge absorbing concepts rather than inventing them.
In simple terms: Ideas matter more than fame.
Absorb ideas, let them grow.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research labs
- creative brainstorming
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you turn ideas into inventions?
- What role does collaboration play?
Being a sponge may limit original creation.