Alexander Graham Bell

Telephone inventor

Modern influential 93 sayings

Sayings by Alexander Graham Bell

I am a believer in unconscious cerebration. The brain is working all the time, though we do not know it. At night it follows up what we think in the daytime. When I have worked a long time on one thing, I make it a point to bring all the facts regarding it together before I retire; I have often been surprised at the results... We are thinking all the time; it is impossible not to think.

1901 — From an interview in 'How They Succeeded' by Orison Swett Marden.
Philosophical Unverifiable

But often what the world calls nonsensical, becomes practical, does it not? You were called crazy, too, once, were you not?

1901 — From an interview in 'How They Succeeded' by Orison Swett Marden, a dialogue with the interviewer.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The achievement of one goal should be the starting point of another.

Undated — Found in lists of his inspirational quotes.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Wherever you may find the inventor, you may give him wealth or you may take from him all that he has; and he will go on inventing. He can no more help inventing than he can help thinking or breathing.

1891 — From a Speech to the Patent Congress in Washington, D.C.
Philosophical Unverifiable

I begin my work at about nine or ten o'clock in the evening and continue until four or five in the morning. Night is a more quiet time to work. It aids thought.

1901 — From an interview in 'How They Succeeded' by Orison Swett Marden.
Philosophical Unverifiable

We should try ourselves to forget that they are deaf. We should try to teach them to forget that they are deaf.

c. early 20th century — Reflecting his oralist views on deaf education, quoted in Katie Booth's book 'The Invention of Mirac…
Philosophical Unverifiable

The main object of the education of the deaf is to fit them to live in the world of a hearing-speaking people.

Undated — Reflecting his oralist philosophy on deaf education.
Philosophical Unverifiable

If it is not necessary, it is obviously not advisable, that deaf children should acquire, and use, as their ordinary and habitual means of communication — their vernacular in fact — a language that is not understood by the people among whom they live.

1894 — From a letter regarding the use of sign language in deaf education.
Philosophical Unverifiable

A man's own judgement should be the final appeal in all that relates to himself.

Undated — Found in several quote compilations.
Philosophical Unverifiable

There are two critical points in every aerial flight - its beginning and its end.

c. early 20th century — A philosophical observation on beginnings and endings, specifically in the context of aviation.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Environment counts for a great deal. A man's particular idea may have no chance for growth or encouragement in his community. Real success is denied that man, until he finds a proper environment.

1901 — From an interview in 'How They Succeeded' by Orison Swett Marden.
Philosophical Unverifiable

I had made up my mind to find that for which I was searching even if it required the remainder of my life. After innumerable failures I finally uncovered the principle for which I was searching, and I was astounded at its simplicity.

Undated — A reflection on his pursuit of invention, emphasizing perseverance and the eventual simplicity of di…
Philosophical Unverifiable

All really big discoveries are the results of thought.

1914 — From an address to the graduating class of the Friends' School, Washington D.C.
Philosophical Unverifiable