Michael Faraday
Discovered electromagnetic induction and electrolysis laws
Most quoted
"The world little knows how many of the thoughts and theories which have passed through the mind of a scientific investigator have been crushed in silence and secrecy by his own severe criticism and negative examination; that in the most seemingly arrogant, the most regular and self-sustained investigator, the most patient and laborious inquirer, there is often a feeling of powerlessness and despair."
— from On the Various Forces of Nature, 1849
"I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal."
— from Personal prayer/meditation
"I will simply express my strong belief, that that point of self-education which consists in teaching the mind to resist its desires and inclinations, until they are proved to be right, is the most important of all, not only in things of natural philosophy, but in every department of daily life."
— from Lecture on Mental Education, 1854
All quotes by Michael Faraday (646)
Nothing is too wonderful to be true, if it be consistent with the laws of nature.
The important thing is to know how to take a hint, and to make use of it.
I have taken your advice, and have been very busy, and have made a great many discoveries.
The lecturer should be a showman: his business is to amuse and instruct.
The more we know of the works of God, the more we admire the wisdom of the Creator.
Work, finish, publish.
I am no longer my own, but yours. My will is yours. My life is yours. I am yours.
The human mind is never satisfied with the knowledge it possesses, but is always striving for more.
The highest exercise of the imagination is to see things as they are.
The philosopher should be a man of facts, and not of theories.
I am a very happy man, and I have a great deal to be thankful for.
The world is full of wonders, and we should never cease to explore them.
The true philosopher is he who can see the invisible, and understand the incomprehensible.
The greatest discovery of all is the discovery of ourselves.
I am not afraid of failure, for I know that I shall succeed in the end.
The mind of man is like a mirror, which reflects the images of all that it sees.
The more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.
The true scientist is he who can see the beauty in the simplest things.
I have always been a lover of nature, and I have always found great pleasure in studying her works.
The greatest joy in life is to be able to give joy to others.
Contemporaries of Michael Faraday
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Michael Faraday (1791–1867).