Samuel Morse
An American painter and inventor who contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system and co-developed the Morse code.
Most quoted
"The mere transmission of intelligence is the smallest part of the work of the telegraph. Its great mission is to serve as a bond of peace and friendship between the nations of the earth."
— from Speech, 1868
"This mode of instantaneous communication must inevitably become an instrument of immense power, to be wielded for good or for evil, as it shall be properly or improperly directed."
— from Letter to the Secretary of the Treasury, 1838
"This mode of communication will enable the people of the United States to communicate with each other, and with the government, with a rapidity and certainty hitherto unknown."
— from Letter to the Secretary of the Treasury, 1838
All quotes by Samuel Morse (396)
I've always believed that if you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. Or you're trying to hide something.
My critics often remind me of a broken telegraph key: lots of noise, but no clear message.
The only thing faster than my telegraph is the speed at which people complain about it.
I've been called a visionary. I just prefer to see things clearly, especially when they involve electrical currents.
They say I changed the world. I just made it a bit more chatty.
My greatest fear? That one day, someone will invent a machine that sends messages even faster than mine. And then I'll have to invent something else.
I've learned that the best way to silence your critics is to build something they can't ignore.
The telegraph is a testament to the fact that even the most complex ideas can be reduced to a series of clicks and pauses.
Some people chase fame. I chased electricity. It proved to be far more electrifying.
My advice to aspiring inventors: don't be afraid to make a few sparks. It usually means you're on the right track.
I've always found that the most profound truths are often communicated in the simplest of codes.
They say I connected the world. I just provided the wires; the people did the talking.
The telegraph is a testament to the power of a good idea, and a lot of copper wire.
My greatest regret? Not patenting the exclamation point. It would have saved me a lot of trouble.
I've always believed that progress is made by those who are too stubborn to give up, and too curious to stop asking 'what if?'
The world is full of noise. My goal was to create a signal.
Some people see a problem and complain. I see a problem and wonder how to send a message about it, quickly.
They say I brought the world closer. I just made it easier to argue across continents.
My life has been a constant battle against slow communication. And occasionally, against stubborn politicians.
The beauty of the telegraph is its simplicity. The challenge is convincing everyone else of that.
Contemporaries of Samuel Morse
Other Inventions born within 50 years of Samuel Morse (1791–1872).