Isambard Kingdom Brunel

I have been accused of being too ambitious. I plead guilty.

My object is to make a perfect machine, not a cheap one.

I believe in the power of the human intellect to overcome all difficulties.

The engineer is the man who makes things happen.

I never undertake anything without being convinced that I can carry it through.

I am not afraid of failure. I am afraid of not trying.

The true engineer is a man of vision, not merely a calculator.

I have always endeavoured to make my works as perfect as possible.

The public will always be ready to pay for that which is good, and nothing else.

I am not a man of many words, but I hope my works speak for themselves.

The engineer's duty is to conquer nature, not to submit to it.

I have always aimed at the highest possible standard.

I am a firm believer in the power of steam.

The engineer must be a man of practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge.

I have always been an advocate for progress and improvement.

The public will always appreciate a good article, no matter what the cost.

I am not easily discouraged by difficulties.

The engineer's work is never finished.

I have always striven to make my works useful and durable.

The public will always demand the best, and it is our duty to provide it.