Linus Pauling

Chemical bond theory, peace activism

Modern influential 124 sayings

Sayings by Linus Pauling

I have always been an optimist, and I believe that the future is bright.

1970s-1980s — Interview/General statement
Humorous Unverifiable

The most important thing in life is to be happy, and to make others happy.

1960s-1980s — General philosophy
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a curious person, and I believe that curiosity is the key to discovery.

1970s — Autobiographical writing
Humorous Unverifiable

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

1960s — Quoting Socrates, but often attributed to his philosophy
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a rebel, and I believe that it is important to challenge authority.

1960s-1970s — Interview/General statement
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.

1950s-1970s — General statement
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that the human race has the ability to solve all of its problems, if we only work together.

1960s-1970s — Speech/Writing
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a scientist, and I believe that science is the best way to understand the world.

1970s — Autobiographical writing
Humorous Unverifiable

The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible.

1950s-1970s — General advice
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that the pursuit of knowledge is one of the most noble endeavors of humanity.

1960s — Speech/Writing
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a teacher, and I believe that education is the key to a better future.

1970s — Autobiographical writing/Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.

1950s-1970s — General advice
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that the world is full of wonderful things, and that we should all strive to appreciate them.

1960s-1980s — General philosophy
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a fighter, and I believe that it is important to stand up for what you believe in.

1960s-1970s — Activism/Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

The most important quality for a scientist is imagination.

1950s-1960s — Lecture/Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that every problem has a solution, and that we should never give up on finding it.

1960s — General statement
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a humanitarian, and I believe that we should all work to make the world a better place for everyone.

1960s-1970s — Activism/Writing
Humorous Unverifiable

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.

1960s — Often attributed to FDR, but Pauling sometimes used similar sentiments
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice.

1960s — Peace activism/Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a lover of nature, and I believe that we should all strive to protect our planet.

1970s-1980s — General philosophy/Environmentalism
Humorous Unverifiable