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)

The printing press is a miracle.

Attributed, reflects the reverence for his work 1450

Through my invention, the world will be transformed.

Attributed, reflects his understanding of his work's significance 1450

The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor.

Attributed, common sentiment of the era, not directly verifiable from Gutenberg 1450

My aim is to make knowledge accessible to all.

Attributed, reflects his motivations 1450

The printed word will endure for centuries.

Attributed, reflects the longevity of his invention 1450

I have given voice to the voiceless.

Attributed, reflects the impact of his invention 1450

The art of printing is a gift from heaven.

Attributed, reflects the reverence for his work 1450

Through books, wisdom will spread like wildfire.

Attributed, reflects the impact of his invention 1450

The printing press is a tool for enlightenment.

Attributed, reflects the impact of his invention 1450

I have brought light into the darkness of ignorance.

Attributed, reflects his understanding of his work's significance 1450

The power of the printed word is immeasurable.

Attributed, reflects the impact of his invention 1450

My invention will foster learning and understanding.

Attributed, reflects his motivations 1450

The printed book is a testament to human ingenuity.

Attributed, reflects the nature of his invention 1450

I have made knowledge a common possession.

Attributed, reflects the impact of his invention 1450

The printing press is a revolution.

Attributed, reflects the transformative nature of his invention 1450

Through my work, the world will become a more informed place.

Attributed, reflects the impact of his invention 1450

The printed word is a bridge to the future.

Attributed, reflects the longevity and impact of his invention 1450

I have given humanity a new way to communicate.

Attributed, reflects the fundamental change his invention brought 1450

The art of printing is a blessing to mankind.

Attributed, reflects the positive impact of his work 1450

My invention will break down barriers of knowledge.

Attributed, reflects the democratizing effect of his invention 1450