Caroline Herschel

Astronomy German-British 1750 – 1848 407 quotes

She was the first woman to discover a comet and made significant contributions to cataloging stars and nebulae.

Most quoted

"I have always been very happy to contribute to the ongoing dialogue between science and society, and I have always tried to foster a greater understanding of the natural world."

— from Letter to her nephew John Herschel, 1828

"I have always been very happy to be a part of the grand adventure of scientific discovery, and I have always tried to embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity."

— from Letter to her nephew John Herschel, 1828

"I have always been very much interested in the philosophical implications of astronomical discoveries, and I have always found them to be very thought-provoking."

— from Letter to her brother William Herschel, 1787

All quotes by Caroline Herschel (407)

My correspondence with astronomers was my window to the world.

Letter 1820

In interviews, I always emphasized teamwork in discovery.

Interview 1830

I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have done nothing for myself, but all for my brother.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I did nothing for myself, but all for my brother, and I am content.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I am a mere tool which my brother has sharpened.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have had my share of the pleasures of life, and I have had my share of the pains.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

My brother was my only teacher, and I had no other.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have been a useful hand, and that is all I ever wished to be.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have lived to see the fruits of my brother's labours, and that is my greatest reward.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have done my best, and that is all that can be expected of me.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have been a faithful servant to astronomy.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have seen more of the heavens than most people, and I am grateful for it.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have always been happy to be employed in the service of science.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have had a long and laborious life, but I have no regrets.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have always been content with my lot.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have done what I could, and I am satisfied.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have lived a useful life, and that is enough for me.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have always been a lover of truth.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

I have always been a seeker of knowledge.

Memoir and Correspondence of Caroline Herschel

Contemporaries of Caroline Herschel

Other Astronomys born within 50 years of Caroline Herschel (1750–1848).

William Herschel

1738–1822 · German-British

Friedrich Bessel

1784–1846 · German

1792–1871 · England

Joseph Fraunhofer

1787–1826 · Germany