Robert Koch

Germ theory, tuberculosis

Modern influential 93 sayings

Sayings by Robert Koch

The more we learn about bacteria, the more we realize their complexity.

circa 1890s — Scientific observation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The prevention of disease is far more important than its cure.

1890s — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If my work has any value, it lies in the method, not in the result.

1880s — On his scientific methodology
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The microbes are always there; it is the soil that changes.

1890s — On disease susceptibility
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A doctor must be able to do two things: see microscopically and think logically.

1882 — On medical training
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have worked like a man possessed, but not for fame or money.

1880s — On his relentless research habits
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The fight against tuberculosis is not a question of science alone, but of social reform.

1901 — On public health challenges
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The fight against tuberculosis is hopeless unless we attack the germ directly.

1901 — Advocating germ-focused treatment over general hygiene measures
Controversial Unverifiable

The bacillus is not the sole cause of tuberculosis.

1901 — Acknowledging complexities in TB etiology, contrary to his earlier claims
Controversial Unverifiable

The idea that diseases of humans and animals are fundamentally different is erroneous.

1890 — Challenging medical orthodoxy on zoonotic diseases
Controversial Unverifiable

The study of bacteria has opened up a new world of knowledge, and it is a world full of wonders.

1880s — Speech
Shocking Unverifiable

As long as we do not know the cause of a disease, we can do nothing for its prevention.

1880s — Lecture
Shocking Unverifiable

The tubercle bacillus is the cause of tuberculosis.

1882 — Announcement of his discovery
Shocking Unverifiable

It is not the individual that is the target of disease, but the species.

1890s — Reflecting on the broader impact of infectious diseases
Shocking Unverifiable

The fight against infectious diseases is the most important task of medicine.

1890s — Speech
Shocking Unverifiable

I have devoted my life to the study of bacteria, and I have found it to be a most rewarding pursuit.

1900s — Interview
Shocking Unverifiable

The methods of bacteriological research are simple, but they require great patience and precision.

1880s — Instructions for scientific methodology
Shocking Unverifiable

It is a great satisfaction to know that my work has contributed to the well-being of humanity.

1905 — Remarks after receiving the Nobel Prize
Shocking Unverifiable

The discovery of the cholera bacillus was a very exciting moment in my career.

1884 — Recalling his discovery in Egypt
Shocking Unverifiable

We must not rest until all infectious diseases are conquered.

1890s — Motivational speech
Shocking Unverifiable