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)
The true glory of a nation is in its literature and its arts.
The artist is a prophet, a seer, a revealer of truth.
The great object of art is to communicate feeling.
Painting is a silent poetry, and poetry a speaking picture.
The invention of the telegraph is a greater achievement than the discovery of America.
The telegraph is a new power, and like all new powers, it will be abused.
The telegraph is a moral engine, and it will be used for good or for evil.
The telegraph will be a mighty engine in the hands of the people.
The telegraph will be a powerful instrument for the diffusion of knowledge.
The telegraph will be a great blessing to mankind.
The telegraph will be a means of promoting peace and good will among men.
The telegraph will be a bond of union between distant nations.
The telegraph will be a powerful agent in the cause of liberty.
The telegraph will be a means of spreading civilization.
The telegraph will be a great instrument of commerce.
The telegraph will be a means of saving life and property.
The telegraph will be a means of preventing crime.
The telegraph will be a means of promoting justice.
The telegraph will be a means of advancing science.
The telegraph will be a means of improving the condition of man.
Contemporaries of Samuel Morse
Other Inventions born within 50 years of Samuel Morse (1791–1872).