Skip to content

Aeroplanes Quote by Thomas A. Edison

“It is apparent to me that the possibilities of the aeroplane, which two or three years ago were thought to hold the solution to the [flying machine] problem, have been exhausted, and that we must turn elsewhere.” quote by Thomas A. Edison
Download Open image
“It is apparent to me that the possibilities of the aeroplane, which two or three years ago were thought to hold the solution to the [flying machine] problem, have been exhausted, and that we must turn elsewhere.”

Thomas A. Edison

About This Quote

Source Speech: Lecture on Aviation, 1905

Early optimism about airplanes proved limited; new directions are needed as initial solutions become exhausted.

In simple terms: Airplane ideas ran out, look elsewhere.

Key Takeaway

Seek innovative alternatives when old solutions fail.

Themes

innovation technology adaptation exploration

Mood

forward-looking critical

Type

strategic visionary

When to use this quote

  • R&D
  • strategic planning
  • industry pivot
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

systems thinking creative problem solving future studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • What new technologies can replace or complement aviation?
  • How do we know when a solution is truly exhausted?
A Different Perspective

Some may claim airplanes still hold untapped potential.

2.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Thomas A. Edison

Explore all 345 Thomas A. Edison quotes

More Aeroplanes quotes

Browse all 78 Aeroplanes quotes