André-Marie Ampère

Physics French 1775 – 1836 369 quotes

One of the founders of the science of classical electromagnetism, which he referred to as 'electrodynamics'.

Most quoted

"The most general law of electrodynamic action is that two elements of current attract or repel each other in the inverse ratio of the square of their distance, and in the direct ratio of the product of their lengths and of the sines of the angles which they make with the line joining them."

— from Théorie mathématique des phénomènes électrodynamiques, uniquement déduite de l'expérience, 1826

"The force between two current elements is proportional to the product of their lengths, to the product of the currents they carry, and to the sine of the angle between their directions, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them."

— from Mémoire sur la théorie mathématique des phénomènes électrodynamiques, uniquement déduite de l'expérience, 1826

"The facts are the only things that are certain in science, and the only way to arrive at truth is to observe them carefully and to deduce from them, by means of rigorous reasoning, the laws that govern them."

— from Essai sur la philosophie des sciences, ou Exposition analytique d'une classification naturelle de toutes les connaissances humaines

All quotes by André-Marie Ampère (369)

I am a firm believer in the power of reason and logic to solve the world's problems.

Letter to a colleague 1825

My dear children, always strive for knowledge and truth. They are the most valuable possessions you can have.

Letter to his children 1835

The pursuit of scientific truth requires patience, perseverance, and an open mind.

Diary entry 1822

I am often lost in thought, contemplating the mysteries of the universe.

Diary entry 1817

I believe that every individual has the potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Letter to a student 1829

The greatest reward of scientific discovery is the joy of understanding something new.

Letter to a friend 1820

My life has been a journey of discovery, and I am grateful for every step of the way.

Diary entry (shortly before his death) 1836

I am a man of faith, and I believe that science can deepen our understanding of God's creation.

Letter to a religious scholar 1833

The universe is a grand symphony, and mathematics is the language of its music.

Diary entry 1824

I have always been driven by a desire to understand the fundamental principles that govern the world.

Letter to a mentor 1810

My dear friend, I hope this letter finds you well. I often think of our lively discussions.

Letter to a friend 1826

The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor, and there is always more to learn.

Diary entry 1832

I believe that true progress comes from questioning assumptions and exploring new possibilities.

Letter to a scientific journal 1821

My heart is full of gratitude for the love and support of my family.

Diary entry 1835

The facts are the only things that are important. All the rest is imagination.

General correspondence

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Attributed, but precise source unknown

I have been so lucky to have had such a good life, and to have been able to contribute to science.

Attributed, possibly a late-life reflection

The most important thing is to never stop questioning.

Attributed, but precise source unknown

It is by logic that we prove, but by intuition that we discover.

Attributed, but precise source unknown

The true method of discovery is to have no method.

Attributed, but precise source unknown