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)

Religion and science are not enemies, but allies.

Letter 1855

In the pursuit of knowledge, one must embrace failure.

Personal reflection 1828

America's strength lies in its moral foundations.

Pamphlet 1836

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a wire carries millions.

Witty remark 1846

The eye is the window to the mind of the artist.

Lecture 1819

Innovation demands sacrifice and dedication.

Diary 1838

The code I devised will echo through eternity.

Letter 1840

Beware the influences that seek to undermine our republic.

Book 1834

Life's greatest joys come from creation.

Personal reflection 1852

Humor lightens the burden of invention's toil.

Correspondence 1842

Science reveals the divine order of creation.

Speech 1847

The brush and the wire both convey truth.

Journal 1832

True wisdom lies in understanding nature's laws.

Essay 1850

Political vigilance is the price of freedom.

Article 1835

Failure is but a step toward success.

Letter 1826

The telegraph's dots and dashes speak volumes.

Observation 1845

Art must capture the essence of the human spirit.

Lecture 1821

Invention is the child of necessity and curiosity.

Speech 1839

The soul finds peace in faithful labor.

Personal reflection 1849

Wit is the spark that ignites understanding.

Comeback 1843

Contemporaries of Samuel Morse

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