Wernher von Braun

Engineering German-American 1912 – 1977 347 quotes

Pioneer of rocket technology and space exploration

Quotes by Wernher von Braun

My friends, I am not a prophet, but I can tell you that if we do not go to the moon, we will not go to the moon.

Speech

It is not a question of whether we will go to the moon, but when.

Speech

I'm not interested in the moon, I'm interested in the stars.

Interview

Man has to awaken to the fact that he is a part of nature, not above it.

Speech

The rocket worked perfectly, except for landing on the wrong planet.

Attributed, likely apocryphal but captures his humor

The only way to find the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.

Speech

We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today.

Speech

I have been to the future, and it works.

Attributed, likely apocryphal but captures his optimism

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.

Attributed to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, but often associated with von Braun's leadership style

The American people have a right to know that their tax dollars are being spent on something more than just a trip to the moon.

Speech/Interview

One of the greatest challenges of our time is to make sure that the benefits of space exploration are shared by all mankind.

Speech

I believe that the exploration of space is a fundamental human endeavor.

Speech

The space age is upon us, and we must be prepared to meet its challenges.

Speech

We stand on the threshold of a new era, an era of unlimited possibilities.

Speech

We must never forget that the ultimate goal of space exploration is to benefit humanity.

Speech

I'm a firm believer in the power of dreams.

Interview

The universe is a vast and mysterious place, and we are just beginning to explore its wonders.

Speech

I have always been fascinated by the stars.

Interview

The sky is not the limit, it's just the beginning.

Attributed, common inspirational quote

The greatest reward of all is to see your dreams come true.

Speech