Nikola Tesla

AC electrical system, inventor

Modern influential 151 sayings

Sayings by Nikola Tesla

The gift of mental power comes from God, Divine Being, and if we concentrate our minds on that truth, we become in tune with this great power.

1929 — Interview with Arthur Brisbane, 'When Woman Is Boss' (published in various newspapers)
Controversial Unverifiable

I do not think you can name many great inventions that have been made by married men.

1929 — Interview with Arthur Brisbane, 'When Woman Is Boss' (published in various newspapers)
Controversial Confirmed

I myself have made my own discoveries in the greatest solitude, and when I have been alone, undisturbed.

1929 — Interview with Arthur Brisbane, 'When Woman Is Boss' (published in various newspapers)
Controversial Unverifiable

I have not married, so that I may devote myself entirely to my work.

1929 — Interview with Arthur Brisbane, 'When Woman Is Boss' (published in various newspapers)
Controversial Unverifiable

I loved that pigeon as a man loves a woman, and she loved me. As long as I had her, there was a purpose to my life.

Approx. 1920s-1930s (recounted by O'Neill) — Reported by John J. O'Neill in 'Prodigal Genius: The Life of Nikola Tesla'
Controversial Unverifiable

My brain is only a receiver, in the Universe there is a core from which we obtain knowledge, strength and inspiration. I have not penetrated into the secrets of this core, but I know that it exists.

Unknown, often cited as late in life — Interview, likely a summation of his spiritual beliefs, exact source debated but widely attributed.
Controversial Confirmed

I have toiled ceaselessly for a quarter of a century for the love of science, to benefit humanity.

1899 — Letter to Robert Underwood Johnson
Controversial Unverifiable

Of all the frictional resistances, the one that most retards human movement is ignorance, what Buddha called 'the greatest evil in the world.'

1931 — Interview with 'The New York Times'
Controversial Unverifiable

The spread of civilization may be likened to a fire; first, a feeble spark, then a flickering flame, then a mighty conflagration, fiercely glowing and devouring.

1919 — My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
Controversial Unverifiable

The human being is a self-propelled automaton, and I am the biggest one in the world.

Approx. 1930s — Reported by John J. O'Neill in 'Prodigal Genius: The Life of Nikola Tesla'
Controversial Unverifiable

I do not hesitate to state here for the world that there is no electrical principle or device which I have not conceived and substantially perfected in my own mind.

Late 19th / Early 20th century — From a letter or statement regarding patent disputes, exact source difficult to pinpoint but reflect…
Controversial Unverifiable

I have harnessed the cosmic rays and caused them to operate a motive device.

1933 — Interview, 'New York American'
Controversial Unverifiable

I have created a new form of energy, which I call the 'death ray.'

1934 — Interview in 'New York Times'
Controversial Unverifiable

It is not a death ray in the sense that it kills. It is a weapon that will make war impossible.

1934 — Interview in 'New York Times'
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest discoveries have been made by men of science who have not been afraid to depart from the beaten path.

Unknown — General statement, often attributed but specific source hard to pinpoint.
Controversial Unverifiable

I could only with difficulty understand the enthusiasm of others for any but engineering achievements.

1919 — My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
Controversial Unverifiable

From childhood I was compelled to concentrate attention on myself. This caused me much suffering, but, on the other hand, it developed in me powers of introspection and observation.

1919 — My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
Controversial Unverifiable

The human race is governed by its imagination.

Unknown — General statement, often attributed.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am unwilling to submit to any procedure for the determination of my mental condition.

1916 (during the Marconi lawsuit) — Statement made in court during a legal dispute.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always been much interested in the question of women's physical and mental superiority, and have found that women are the stronger sex.

1929 — Interview with Arthur Brisbane, 'When Woman Is Boss' (published in various newspapers)
Controversial Unverifiable