Edward Jenner

Smallpox vaccine

Early Modern influential 61 sayings

Sayings by Edward Jenner

The greatest reward for my labours is the satisfaction of having done good to my fellow creatures.

c. 1820 — Letter or personal reflection
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have never been a lover of controversy; but when truth is concerned, I am not afraid to speak out.

c. 1800 — Letter, during debates about vaccination
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The opposition I have met with has only served to confirm me in my opinion.

c. 1800 — Letter, during debates about vaccination
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is a great satisfaction to me to reflect, that I have been instrumental in saving so many lives.

c. 1820 — Letter or personal reflection
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The discovery of vaccination is one of the most important that has ever been made.

c. 1810 — Letter or public statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have often been accused of being too sanguine in my expectations; but time will show whether I am right or wrong.

c. 1805 — Letter, regarding the future of vaccination
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The practice of vaccination is now so generally adopted, that it is hardly necessary to recommend it.

c. 1820 — Public statement or letter
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have often been surprised at the credulity of mankind; but I have also been surprised at their obstinacy.

c. 1815 — Personal reflections
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The human mind is capable of great things; but it is also capable of great errors.

c. 1810 — Philosophical musings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a lover of nature, and I have always found great pleasure in studying her works.

c. 1790s — Personal reflection or letter
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most beautiful flowers are often found in the most obscure places.

c. 1780s — Observation on nature, possibly a metaphor
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have often wished that I had more time to devote to my favourite studies.

c. 1800 — Personal reflection
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The pursuit of knowledge is an endless one; but it is also a most delightful one.

c. 1810 — Philosophical musings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always endeavoured to act upon the principle, that what is right to be done, should be done with all our might.

c. 1820 — Letter or personal credo
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My greatest ambition has always been to be useful to mankind.

c. 1815 — Personal reflection
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most valuable possessions are those which we acquire by our own exertions.

c. 1800 — Philosophical observation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have often found that the most simple remedies are the most efficacious.

c. 1790s — Medical observation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true philosopher is he who is always learning, and who is never ashamed to confess his ignorance.

c. 1810 — Philosophical musings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have often been struck with the wonderful harmony that prevails throughout the works of nature.

c. 1780s — Observation on nature
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest happiness consists in doing good to others.

c. 1820 — Personal philosophy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable