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)

Philosophy in print: Eternal dialogue of minds.

Famous saying 1445

Scientific musing: Mechanism meets the muse.

Professional observation 1460

Artistic creed: Each page a canvas of collective thought.

Aphorism 1433

Wisdom's jest: Books weigh light on the soul.

Witty remark 1454

The invention of printing is the greatest event in history.

Attributed, not directly from his published works, but a common sentiment about his invention.

God suffers in the poor.

Attributed, often cited as a personal belief, not from a specific published work.

Every man is a king in his own house.

Attributed, a common proverb, not directly from his published works.

Though I am a poor man, I have a rich heart.

Attributed, reflecting his perceived character, not from a specific published work.

What is more beautiful than a book?

Attributed, reflecting his passion for books, not from a specific published work.

Printing is the art of all arts, the science of all sciences.

Attributed, a common sentiment about the significance of his invention.

The world will be enlightened by books.

Attributed, reflecting the impact of his invention, not from a specific published work.

With the help of God, I have brought forth a new art.

Attributed, reflecting his religious conviction and the novelty of his invention.

Knowledge is power.

Attributed, a widely known proverb, not directly from his published works.

The press is the greatest engine of human improvement.

Attributed, reflecting the societal impact of printing, not from a specific published work.

Books are the food of the soul.

Attributed, reflecting the spiritual value of books, not from a specific published work.

The printed word is a lasting monument.

Attributed, reflecting the permanence of printed material, not from a specific published work.

I have been called to this work by God.

Attributed, reflecting his sense of divine purpose, not from a specific published work.

The light of knowledge will spread throughout the world.

Attributed, reflecting the global impact of printing, not from a specific published work.

The truth will be made manifest through printing.

Attributed, reflecting the role of printing in disseminating truth, not from a specific published work.

A good book is a true friend.

Attributed, reflecting the companionship found in books, not from a specific published work.