Karl Benz
A German engine designer and automobile engineer, generally regarded as the inventor of the gasoline-powered automobile.
Most quoted
"I had to create the world from scratch. I had to create the engine, the chassis, the steering, the brakes, the clutch, the transmission, the radiator, the fuel tank, the carburetor, the ignition, the spark plugs, the tires, the body, the seats, the lights, the horn, the speedometer, the odometer, the fuel gauge, the oil gauge, the water temperature gauge, the battery, the generator, the starter, the the the..."
— from Interview, 1886
"I have often been asked why I did not patent the automobile. My answer is simple: I did not invent the wheel, nor the engine, nor the chassis. I merely put them together in a way that had not been done before. To patent the whole would be like patenting a sandwich."
— from Attributed
"The greatest challenge was not building the car, but convincing people they needed one. They were perfectly content with their horses, bless their dusty souls."
— from Attributed
All quotes by Karl Benz (401)
Political insight: mobility empowers the masses.
The automobile is a vehicle that will replace the horse and carriage.
I have always been driven by the desire to create something new, something that has never existed before.
The first ride was a terrifying experience, but also exhilarating.
My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my invention in use, making life easier for people.
It was a long and arduous journey, but I never lost faith in my vision.
I did not invent the wheel, but I put it to a new use.
The internal combustion engine is the heart of the automobile.
My wife, Bertha, was my constant support and inspiration.
Without her courage, the automobile might never have seen the light of day.
The greatest challenge was to make the engine reliable and practical.
I believe in the power of innovation to change the world.
Every obstacle is an opportunity for a new solution.
The automobile is more than just a machine; it is a symbol of progress.
My work was driven by a passion for engineering and a belief in its potential.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single turn of the crank.
To invent, you must be willing to experiment and to fail.
The world is constantly changing, and we must change with it.
The sound of the engine was music to my ears.
It is not enough to invent; one must also make it useful.
Contemporaries of Karl Benz
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Karl Benz (1844–1929).