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, and in such things as these, experiment is the best test of such consistency.
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.
I could not stop myself from thinking about it.
The philosopher becomes a philosopher by discovering the laws of nature.
Nature is our kindest friend.
Lectures which truly teach must promote and encourage the natural power of reasoning in the pupil.
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.
Why sir, there is every possibility that you will soon be able to tax it!
I have been arranging some of my old experiments in which diathermaneons were the subjects.
The experimental method is the only way to arrive at the truth in science.
Electricity is often called wonderful, beautiful; but it is so only to those who have not the gift of seeing it clearly.
The soul's dark cottage, battered and decayed, lets in new light through chinks that time hath made.
In humble paths I trod the way, Which lead the soul to endless day.
The best correction of errors is to correct them.
Magnetism is a disturbance of the light which affects the plane of vibration.
The earth itself is a great magnet.
I am busy with this and that.
Science is not a matter of opinion, but of fact.
The man of science has learned to believe in justification, not by faith, but by verification.
All science requires mathematics.
Contemporaries of Michael Faraday
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Michael Faraday (1791–1867).