Gutenberg, Johannes

Invention German 1400 – 1468 379 quotes

A German inventor who introduced mechanical movable type printing to Europe, initiating the printing revolution.

Most quoted

"Yes, it is a press, certainly, but a press from which shall flow in inexhaustible streams, the most abundant and most marvelous liquor that has ever flowed to relieve the thirst of men! Through it, God will spread His Word. A spring of truth shall flow from it: like a new star it shall scatter the darkness of ignorance, and cause a new light to shine upon mankind."

— from Attributed

"Yes, it is a press, certainly, but a press from which shall flow in inexhaustible streams, the most abundant and most marvelous liquor that has ever flowed to relieve the thirst of men! Through it, God will spread His Word. A spring of truth shall flow from it: like a new star it will scatter the darkness of ignorance, and cause a new light to shine among men."

— from Attributed, likely apocryphal but reflects his motivations, 1450

"God suffers in the multitude of souls whom His word can not reach. Religious truth is imprisoned in a few manuscripts which guard the treasure, instead of diffusing it. Let us break the seal which holds the word of God; let us give wings to truth, that it may speed from soul to soul, from town to town, from kingdom to kingdom."

— from Attributed

All quotes by Gutenberg, Johannes (379)

With the help of God, I shall make it possible for every man to read the Bible.

Attributed, emphasizing his goal of religious accessibility.

The art of printing is the art of arts, the science of sciences, the queen of all sciences, for it is the means by which all knowledge is diffused.

Attributed, exalting the importance of his invention.

Let us make books so cheap that no one will be without them.

Attributed, reflecting his vision for widespread literacy.

The printed word will change the world.

Attributed, a concise statement of his revolutionary impact.

I have been called a magician, but I am only a craftsman, who, with God's help, has found a way to multiply the written word.

Attributed, addressing the awe and suspicion surrounding his work.

The light of knowledge will spread throughout the world, thanks to the printed word.

Attributed, expressing optimism for intellectual progress.

This invention will bring about a new era of learning and understanding.

Attributed, foreseeing the Renaissance and Reformation.

The pen is mighty, but the press is mightier.

A common paraphrase of the impact of his invention, though not a direct quote.

To spread the word of God is my greatest desire.

Attributed, highlighting his primary motivation.

The time of scribes is coming to an end.

Implied by the nature of his invention, though likely not a direct quote.

I have taken the spoken word and given it wings.

Attributed, a poetic description of printing's reach.

The truth will no longer be confined to the monasteries.

Attributed, suggesting a democratization of knowledge.

Let us make knowledge accessible to all, not just the privileged few.

Attributed, reflecting a democratic ideal.

The printed book is a weapon against ignorance.

Attributed, emphasizing the power of knowledge.

I have opened a door that no man can close.

Attributed, a confident assertion of his lasting impact.

My invention will spread the word of God faster than any preacher.

Attributed, comparing the efficiency of printing to traditional methods.

The world will never be the same.

Attributed, a simple yet profound statement of impact.

The printed word is a seed that will grow into a forest of knowledge.

Attributed, a metaphor for the exponential growth of information.

This is not merely a business; it is a sacred trust.

Attributed, reflecting his sense of responsibility.

I have made it possible for the common man to possess the wisdom of the ages.

Attributed, emphasizing the democratization of knowledge.