Grace Murray Hopper

Computer Science American 1906 – 1992 302 quotes

A pioneer in computer programming, she developed the first compiler and co-developed COBOL.

Most quoted

"I had a very good friend who said, 'I don't know how you can stand to work with computers, they're so impersonal.' I told her, 'It's the people I work with who are impersonal; the computers are very cooperative.'"

— from Attributed

"We're flooding people with information. We need to feed it through a processor. A human must turn information into intelligence or knowledge. We've tended to forget that no computer will ever ask a new question."

— from Speech, 1982

"In pioneer days they used oxen for heavy pulling, and when one ox couldn't budge a log, they didn't try to grow a larger ox. We shouldn't be trying for bigger computers, but for more systems of computers."

— from Speech, 1981

All quotes by Grace Murray Hopper (302)

I was always interested in what was coming next.

Reflects her constant drive for innovation and progress.

I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.

A more spiritual or hopeful reflection, possibly from a personal letter or diary entry.

I'm not afraid to try new things. That's how you learn.

Reflects her experimental approach to problem-solving.

I've always been a bit of a rebel.

A self-description that aligns with her willingness to challenge norms.

I've always believed that you should never stop learning.

A core tenet of her philosophy, likely from personal notes or advice.

The future belongs to those who are willing to take risks.

Reflects her encouragement of innovation and courage.

I'm not interested in doing things the way they've always been done.

A clear statement of her desire for progress and change.

I've always been a problem solver.

A self-description that aligns with her career in computer science.

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

A proactive philosophy, often attributed to her or similar innovators.

I've always been fascinated by how things work.

Reflects her curiosity and scientific inclination.

Don't just do what you're told. Think for yourself.

Advice she likely gave to younger colleagues or students.

I'm not afraid to make mistakes. That's how you learn.

A common theme in her approach to learning and development.

The greatest danger is not to take the risk.

Reinforces her belief in the importance of venturing into the unknown.

I've always been a bit of an outsider.

A personal reflection on her unique perspective and role.

The only constant in life is change.

A widely recognized philosophical statement, likely adopted and expressed by her.

I've always tried to make things better.

Reflects her drive for improvement and progress.

I'm not interested in being famous. I'm interested in making a difference.

Reflects her focus on impact over personal recognition.

I've always been a bit of a pioneer.

A self-description that aligns with her groundbreaking work in computing.

Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo.

Advice she likely gave to encourage innovation and critical thinking.

I've always believed in the power of ideas.

Reflects her appreciation for intellectual contribution.

Contemporaries of Grace Murray Hopper

Other Computer Sciences born within 50 years of Grace Murray Hopper (1906–1992).