William Herschel
He discovered Uranus and its two moons, and pioneered the study of nebulae and star clusters.
Most quoted
"The heavens are now seen to resemble a luxuriant garden, which contains the greatest variety of productions, in different flourishing beds; and one advantage we may at least reap from it is, that we can, as it were, extend the range of our experience to an immense duration."
— from Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 1789
"I have looked further into space than ever human being did before me. I have observed stars of which the light, it is computed, must take two millions of years to reach the earth."
— from Letter to his sister Caroline Herschel, 1789
"The astronomer, who is acquainted with the immensity of the universe, will not easily be persuaded to believe that this little spot is the sole abode of life and intelligence."
— from Attributed saying
All quotes by William Herschel (406)
The universe is full of wonders, waiting to be discovered.
My work has been a journey of discovery.
The construction of the heavens is a subject of endless fascination.
I have seen things that no man has seen before.
The more we explore, the more we realize how little we know.
My greatest satisfaction comes from contributing to human knowledge.
The universe is a testament to the infinite power of creation.
I have built my own instruments, for I found those available to be insufficient.
The pursuit of truth is the highest calling.
I have made it a rule to myself, to look at nothing but what I can see.
I have been more successful in discovering new objects than in explaining old ones.
It is a good thing to have a telescope, but it is a better thing to have eyes.
I have often amused myself with the idea of a voyage to the Moon.
I have always found that the more I looked, the more I saw.
The telescope is a wonderful instrument, but it is not a substitute for thought.
I have often been asked what I see in the heavens. I see wonders.
The stars are not merely points of light, but suns like our own.
I have often wished that I had more time to look at the stars.
The universe is a grand machine, and we are but small cogs in it.
I have often been told that I am a visionary. I hope I am.
Contemporaries of William Herschel
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of William Herschel (1738–1822).