Linus Pauling

Chemical bond theory, peace activism

Modern influential 124 sayings

Sayings by Linus Pauling

The only way to get a good idea is to get a lot of ideas and throw the bad ones away.

Unknown, likely mid-20th century — Attributed, often cited as a general principle of his scientific method.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I believe that there is no such thing as an 'unimportant' discovery.

Unknown — From a lecture or interview, expressing his view on scientific inquiry.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You can't have a good idea unless you have a lot of ideas.

Unknown — Similar to the 'throw bad ones away' quote, emphasizing prolific thinking.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Science is the search for truth, but it is not the search for certainty. When science is used to search for certainty, it becomes something other than science.

Unknown, likely later in his career — Discussing the nature of scientific investigation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have never had a bad idea.

Unknown — A humorous or self-assured remark, often taken ironically given his 'throw bad ones away' philosophy…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I think that the vitamin C story is a very important story, and it's a story that has not yet been told in its entirety.

1970s-1980s — Interview, discussing his controversial views on Vitamin C.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been interested in vitamins for a long time, and I have taken large doses of vitamin C for many years.

1970s — Interview or public statement about his personal health regimen.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The human body can make a number of substances, but it cannot make vitamin C.

1970s-1980s — Explaining his rationale for vitamin C supplementation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not a quack. I am a scientist.

1970s-1980s — Defending himself against criticism for his vitamin C advocacy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Orthomolecular medicine is the preservation of good health and the treatment of disease by varying the concentrations of substances normally present in the body.

1968 — Defining his concept of orthomolecular medicine.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe that the proper dose of vitamin C is 10 grams per day, and that it should be taken in divided doses throughout the day.

1970s — Specific recommendation for vitamin C intake.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest discoveries are often made by individuals who are not afraid to challenge the existing paradigms.

Unknown — Reflecting on scientific progress and innovation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am convinced that we can abolish war, and that we must do so if we are to survive.

1950s-1960s — Public statements related to his peace activism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Every time you go to the doctor, the doctor asks you to take off your clothes, and then he looks at you, and he tells you what's wrong with you. But he doesn't know anything about you.

Unknown, likely interview — A somewhat critical or skeptical view of conventional medicine, contrasting with his orthomolecular …
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have had a good life, and I am grateful for it. I have done my best to make the world a better place.

Late 20th century — Reflective statement in later life.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There is no such thing as a 'safe' dose of radiation.

1950s-1960s — Statement related to his anti-nuclear activism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a scientist, and I believe in the scientific method. But I also believe that there are things that science cannot explain.

Unknown — Discussing the limits of science or broader philosophical views.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I think that the future of medicine is in prevention, not in treatment.

1970s-1980s — Advocating for a proactive approach to health.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't think there's anything wrong with taking a lot of vitamin C.

1970s-1980s — Reiterating his stance on vitamin C safety.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have never been afraid to be wrong.

Unknown — Emphasizing intellectual courage in scientific pursuit.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable