Overview:
Thomas Alva Edison was a world-renowned inventor and businessman known for developing and marketing many groundbreaking inventions in his lifetime, including the phonograph, motion picture camera, and the light bulb. Edison’s quotes represent his dedication and resourcefulness towards innovation and his relentless pursuit of success, making them still relevant and inspiring today.

1. Critical Thinking:
Edison believed that schools were failing to teach students how to think critically, resulting in the inability of young people to put their brains to work systematically and effectively.

2. Perseverance:
Edison’s greatest weakness was giving up; believing that the most certain way to succeed was to try just one more time.

3. Creativity:
Edison saw the value in failure, as it led to unexpected yet useful outcomes. He emphasized that just because something does not go as planned, doesn’t indicate its uselessness.

4. Passion:
Edison loved what he did and thus never considered it as work, emphasizing the importance of loving one’s work, so it ceases to be a tedious task.

5. Absorption of Ideas:
Edison was more of a sponge than an inventor, quite impressed with the ideas presented by others over the great names and reputations.

6. Favorite Invention:
Of all his inventions, Edison held the phonograph in highest regard as it was what fueled his passion for bringing fine arts to the masses.

7. Nature’s Greatness:
Edison found that man’s knowledge and innovation fail in comparison to the natural beauty of the environment.

8. Future of Medicine:
Edison felt that doctors of the future would do away with much of today’s medicine and focus more on body care, diet, and disease prevention.

9. Discomfort Leads to Progress:
Edison believed that discontent was necessary for growth, recognizing that people accomplish the most significant things when faced with obstacles and uncomfortable situations.

10. Hard Work:
Edison found that everything is achievable by the one who hustles while waiting, emphasizing that hard work and persistence can make all the difference.

11. Rules Limit Creativity:
Edison found that innovations require agility and flexibility, and rules and restrictions often hinder creativity and progress.

12. Failure Is Progress:
Edison failed thousands of times before finally succeeding, suggesting that failing is not a defeat, but rather a vital part that leads to progress and eventual success.

13. Opportunity and Hard Work:
Edison believed that people overlook opportunities because they don’t recognize them as they’re often disguised as hard work and persistence.

14. Non-Violence:
Edison recognized the savagery in humanity, finding non-violence to be the ultimate goal, even in an era of technological and intellectual evolution.

15. Time is Precious:
Edison valued time above everything else, knowing that one cannot earn it back and that the key to experiencing all things in life is taking the necessary actions now.

16. Execution is Key:
Innovation is only 1% inspiration and 99% effort, and the real genius hid in the ability to execute the idea to fruition.

17. Work Ethic:
Edison was known for working long hours, considering an average 4-5 hours of sleep as sufficient rest, emphasizing the importance of hard work towards achieving success.

18. Self-Worth:
Edison believed one’s worth lies in who they are, not their possessions and material wealth, reinforcing the idea that true happiness comes from within.

19. Maturity:
Edison found that many adults lose sight of the intelligence and resourcefulness of youth, emphasizing that maturity is a process and an unjust hindrance to the youth.

20. Time is Capital:
Edison believed that time is the only capital any human has, and therefore it’s a valuable resource that needs careful management to achieve success.

Key Takeaway:
Thomas Alva Edison’s quotes embody his relentless work ethic, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication towards success. His thinking, even today, resonates with people across generations and serves as a blueprint for anyone looking to make a mark in their respective fields.