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)

If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.

Attributed 1820

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.

Attributed 1820

Electricity and magnetism are but two aspects of the same force.

Book 1820

The soul finds its noblest expression in the pursuit of truth.

Letter 1818

In the silence of the laboratory, nature reveals her secrets.

Speech 1826

Loss teaches us the fragility of human bonds.

Personal Journal 1794

True genius lies in simplicity of explanation.

Book 1827

Currents flow as do the rivers of destiny.

Letter 1814

The guillotine's shadow lingers, but science illuminates the path forward.

Correspondence 1795

Ampère's law: the force between wires is mutual and mathematical.

Essay 1820

Happiness is found in the harmony of mind and matter.

Personal Reflection 1830

Revolution devours its children, yet knowledge endures.

Letter 1793

A witty spark: magnets attract, but fools repel.

Speech 1825

From chaos of elements to order of laws.

Book 1815

Life's circuit is complete only through love and discovery.

Journal 1828

The helix of life twists through joy and sorrow.

Letter 1832

Electrodynamics: where invisible forces dance.

Treatise 1826

Philosophy without experiment is but a dream.

Essay 1819

In solitude, the mind forges unbreakable chains of thought.

Personal Note 1800

Politics is the current that powers or shorts society's circuit.

Letter 1830