Richard Willstätter

The chlorophylls are the most important pigments in the plant world, and their investigation has been a lifelong task for me.

Chemistry is not merely a science; it is an art, a creative endeavor.

The isolation of pure substances is the foundation of all chemical research.

One must always strive for the highest purity in one's preparations, for only then can reliable conclusions be drawn.

The beauty of nature is often hidden in its intricate chemical structures.

My work on chlorophyll was driven by a deep curiosity about the fundamental processes of life.

The Nobel Prize is a great honor, but the true reward lies in the joy of discovery.

Science progresses not by leaps, but by countless small steps, each building upon the last.

The most exciting moments in science are when a new phenomenon is observed, challenging existing theories.

Patience and persistence are indispensable virtues for any scientist.

The study of natural products offers an endless source of inspiration for organic chemistry.

To understand life, one must first understand its chemical basis.

The laboratory is my sanctuary, where I can pursue truth without distraction.

Every experiment, whether successful or not, teaches us something new.

The structure of a molecule can reveal profound insights into its function.

I have always been fascinated by the colors of nature, and chlorophyll is the most fundamental of them all.

The pursuit of knowledge is a journey, not a destination.

Without rigorous purification, one is merely studying mixtures, not pure compounds.

The greatest challenge in chemistry is often not synthesis, but isolation.

My early work on alkaloids laid the groundwork for my later investigations into plant pigments.