Invention: A Life

"One of the important principles I applied was changing only one thing at a time and to see what difference that one change made. People think that a breakthrough is arrived at by a spark of brilliance or even a eureka thought in the shower. I wish it were for me. Eureka moments are very rare. More likely, you start off by testing a particular setup, and by making one change at a time, you start to understand what works and what fails."

"He believed, most of all, in the power of enthusiasm. He sold new and intelligent things to people not through smooth, well-rehearsed sales patter but because, aside from possessing charisma and charm, he enjoyed talking to prospective customers about engineering, for which his enthusiasm was infectious and second to none."

"Invention is so very important today because young people are passionate about saving the planet, improving the environment, and finding cures for life-threatening diseases. I believe that these problems can be solved by the diligent application of research and development."

"Research is about conducting experiments, accepting and even enjoying failure, but going on, following a theory garnered from observing the science. Invention is often more about endurance and patient observation than brain waves."

"Learning by failure is a remarkably good way of gaining knowledge. Failure is to be welcomed rather than avoided or feared. It is a part of learning. It should not be feared by the engineer or scientist or indeed by anyone else."

"Inventions, no matter how ingenious and exciting, are of little use unless they can be translated through engineering and design into products that stimulate or meet a need and can sell."

"If you want to pioneer and invent new technology you need to step into the unknown and, in that realm, experience can be a hindrance."