Alexander Graham Bell

1847–1922 · Canadian-American scientist inventor of telephone

Topics: creativity, learning, life

• The inventor...looks upon the world and is not contented with things as they are. He wants to improve whatever he sees, he wants to benefit the world; he is haunted by an idea. The spirit of invention possesses him, seeking materialization.

  — Alexander Graham Bell

• There cannot be mental atrophy in any person who continues to observe, to remember what he observes, and to seek answers for his unceasing hows and whys about things.

  — Alexander Graham Bell

• Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus.

  — Alexander Graham Bell

• You cannot force ideas. Successful ideas are the result of slow growth. Ideas do not reach perfection in a day, no matter how much study is put upon them.

  — Alexander Graham Bell