Nothing was more frustrating than being dependent on someone else for the opportunity to succeed.

On meeting the American Optical Company (largest sunglasses manufacturer):

The three men walked into a room filled with blinding sunlight. As they squinted against the intensity of light from the windows, Land said in a pleasant voice, "I apologize for the glare. I imagine you can't even see the fish." His visitors, handing their briefcases and coats to George Wheelwright, stared at Land blankly.

"Here, look through this." Land gave each a square of polarizer. As they faced the windows the glare vanished. There was the bowl on the windowsill, the goldfish swimming serenely in their warm environment as if suspended in air. "How many fish do you see?" asked Land in the voice of a kindly professor addressing his young pupils on their first day.

"Six," said the three dutifully.

"This is what your new sunglasses will be made of," said Land. "Its called Polaroid."

Land indicated one of the images that covered the table in front of him, showing only the top of his head and his fingertips. He laughed and said, "This is one of the most significant pictures we have taken this evening. It illustrates a very important point. If you are not satisfied with a picture, this new process allows you to retake" - the word was emphasized - "the picture immediately and correct the fault. You know that you have a perfect picture on the spot [...]"

These pictures were not "made", [...] These pictures were taken, then given back to the subject; the entire process of pose, exposure, anticipations, and response was shared by both the subject and the picture-taker. It was a new experience, a new pleasure.

"I don't know much about photography." - Edwin Land