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 am now a rich man, and am very happy.

Letter to his brother Sidney 1845

I have been very much occupied with my business.

Letter to his brother Sidney 1846

I am now engaged in extending the telegraph to other parts of the country.

Letter to his brother Sidney 1847

I am very much pleased with the progress of the telegraph.

Letter to his brother Sidney 1848

I am now a grandfather, and am very happy.

Letter to his brother Sidney 1849

I am very much interested in the subject of photography.

Letter to Louis Daguerre 1839

I have made some experiments in photography, and have been successful.

Letter to Louis Daguerre 1840

I am very much pleased with the results of my experiments.

Letter to Louis Daguerre 1840

I am now engaged in perfecting my photographic process.

Letter to Louis Daguerre 1841

I am confident that photography will be a great benefit to mankind.

Letter to Louis Daguerre 1841

I am very much indebted to you for your kindness.

Letter to Louis Daguerre 1842

I am now a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1863

I am very much pleased with this honor.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1863

I am now an old man, but I am still active.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1865

I am very much interested in the welfare of my country.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1866

I am very much concerned about the state of the nation.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1867

I am very much opposed to the present administration.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1868

I am very much in favor of a change of government.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1869

I am very much pleased with the election of President Grant.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1869

I am now retired from active business.

Letter to his daughter Susan 1870

Contemporaries of Samuel Morse

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