Samuel Morse

Invention American 1791 – 1872 396 quotes

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 have seen the fulfillment of my dreams.

Letter to his brother 1844

The telegraph will be a powerful engine for good.

Public statement 1838

I have no doubt of the ultimate triumph of my invention.

Letter to his brother 1837

The telegraph will revolutionize communication.

Public statement 1838

I have been greatly encouraged by the success of my experiments.

Letter to his brother 1837

The telegraph will be a great benefit to commerce.

Public statement 1838

I have been working day and night on this project.

Letter to his brother 1837

The telegraph will be a powerful instrument in the hands of government.

Public statement 1838

I have encountered many difficulties, but I have overcome them all.

Letter to his brother 1844

The telegraph will be a means of promoting education.

Public statement 1838

I have been sustained by the hope of benefiting mankind.

Letter to his brother 1844

The telegraph will be a great aid to science.

Public statement 1838

I have been inspired by the thought of uniting the world.

Letter to his brother 1844

The telegraph will be a powerful instrument for good in the world.

Public statement 1838

I have been guided by a sense of duty.

Letter to his brother 1844

The telegraph will be a means of spreading Christianity.

Public statement 1838

I have been blessed with success beyond my wildest dreams.

Letter to his brother 1844

The telegraph will be a great blessing to humanity.

Public statement 1838

I have been sustained by the prayers of my friends.

Letter to his brother 1844

The telegraph will be a great instrument of progress.

Public statement 1838

Contemporaries of Samuel Morse

Other Inventions born within 50 years of Samuel Morse (1791–1872).