I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943
640K ought to be enough for anybody.
Bill Gates, 1981
But what...is it good for?"
Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.
Everything that can be invented has been invented.
Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents, 1899
Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.
Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949
There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.
Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.
Western Union internal memo, 1876.
The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?
David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s.
The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible.
A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)
Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction.
Pierre Pachet, Professor of Physiology at Toulouse, 1872
Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?
H.M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927
I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.
Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in "Gone With the Wind.
A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make.
Response to Debbi Fields' idea of starting Mrs. Fields' Cookies.
The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will forever be shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon.
Sir John Eric Ericksen, British surgeon, appointed Surgeon-Extraordinary to Queen Victoria, 1873
Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.
Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895
If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can't do this.
Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3M "Post-It" Notepads.
Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.
Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929
Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value.
Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre