George Stephenson
A British civil engineer and mechanical engineer who built the first public inter-city railway line in the world to use steam locomotives.
Most quoted
"I have been a good deal engaged in the last few days in making some experiments on the friction of waggons on railways, and I find that the resistance is much less than I had imagined."
— from Letter to Lord Ravensworth, 1813
"I have been accused of being a madman for attempting to run a locomotive at such a speed, but I am confident that the day will come when people will travel at fifty miles an hour."
— from Biographical accounts
"I have been much engaged in the last few days in making some experiments on the friction of waggons on railways, and I find that the resistance is much less than I had imagined."
— from Letter to Lord Ravensworth, 1813
All quotes by George Stephenson (251)
I have always been a man of integrity, and I believe that honesty is the best policy.
The railway will be a means of promoting industry and enterprise, and of encouraging people to work hard and to achieve their goals.
I have always been a man of courage, and I believe that it is important to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular.
The railway will be a means of bringing joy and happiness to the people, and of making their lives more fulfilling.
I have always been a man of determination, and I believe that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
The railway will be a means of overcoming the limitations of distance, and of bringing the world closer together.
I have always been a man of innovation, and I believe that it is important to constantly seek new and better ways of doing things.
The railway will be a means of promoting health and well-being, and of making life more enjoyable for everyone.
I have always been a man of humility, and I believe that it is important to remember where you came from, and to never forget the people who helped you along the way.
The railway will be a means of creating new opportunities, and of providing employment for many people.
I have always been a man of common sense, and I believe that it is important to approach problems with a practical and logical mind.
The railway will be a means of fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration, and of bringing people together to work towards a common goal.
I have always been a man of foresight, and I believe that it is important to anticipate future needs and to plan accordingly.
The railway will be a means of reducing poverty and inequality, and of creating a more just and equitable society.
I have always been a man of resourcefulness, and I believe that it is important to make the most of what you have, and to find creative solutions to problems.
The railway will be a means of promoting cultural exchange and understanding, and of breaking down barriers between different communities.
I have always been a man of conviction, and I believe that it is important to stand firm in your beliefs, even when faced with opposition.
The railway will be a means of enhancing national security, and of allowing for the rapid movement of troops and supplies.
I have always been a man of simplicity, and I believe that the best solutions are often the simplest ones.
The railway will be a means of inspiring future generations, and of demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and ingenuity.
Contemporaries of George Stephenson
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of George Stephenson (1781–1848).