Michael Faraday — "The future of science lies in the hands of the young."
The future of science lies in the hands of the young.
Get This Quote & Author's Image Illustrated On:
Click any product to generate a realistic preview. Up to 3 at a time.
* Initial load can take up to 90 seconds — revising the preview in another color is nearly instant.
Kitchen
Apparel
Other
More from Michael Faraday
"The book of nature is written in the language of mathematics."
"Work, finish, publish."
"The more we know of the laws of nature, the more we are led to believe in the wisdom, intelligence, and design of God."
"I have been working for some time on the subject of electricity and magnetism, and I think I have made some discoveries."
"The secret of my success? I keep my mouth shut."
Details
Attributed, expressing his hope for future generations of scientists.
Date: Mid 19th Century (approx.)
EducationalVerification
Unverifiable
Found in 1 providers: grok
1 source checked
Understanding this quote
What it means
Progress in scientific understanding depends on the next generation, not established figures. Older scientists can pass on knowledge, but real breakthroughs and new directions come from young minds willing to question existing ideas, embrace fresh methods, and pursue problems their predecessors could not solve. Investing in youth, through education and opportunity, is how science continues to advance rather than stagnate under aging orthodoxy.
Relevance to Michael Faraday
Faraday rose from a bookbinder's apprentice with almost no formal education to become one of history's greatest experimentalists, discovering electromagnetic induction. He personally mentored young researchers and founded the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures for youth in 1825, which still run today. Having benefited from Humphry Davy taking a chance on him as an assistant, he understood that nurturing curious young minds, regardless of background, was essential to scientific progress.
The era
Faraday worked during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, when science was transitioning from gentleman-amateur pursuit to professional discipline. Universities were expanding, public lectures drew huge audiences, and electricity was reshaping society. Yet formal scientific training remained rare and elitist. Faraday's era saw unprecedented youth engagement with experimental science through mechanics' institutes and popular demonstrations, making his faith in the young reflect a broader democratizing shift in who could contribute to discovery.
AI-generated insights based on extensive research and information for context. Factual errors? Email [email protected].