Portrait of Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur

Germ theory, pasteurization

Modern influential 62 sayings

Sayings by Louis Pasteur

The study of nature is always a source of profound joy.

Late 19th Century (approx.) — Attributed, expressing his personal satisfaction from scientific exploration.
Educational Unverifiable

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.

Late 19th Century (approx.) — Often misattributed to Darwin, but sometimes to Pasteur, though primary source is elusive.
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Late 19th Century (approx.) — Often attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, but occasionally to Pasteur, likely misattribution.
Inspirational Unverifiable

I have no doubt that I shall succeed in my experiments.

Late 19th Century (approx.) — Attributed, showing his confidence in his scientific pursuits.
Educational Unverifiable

The scientific life is a life of constant battle against error.

Late 19th Century (approx.) — Attributed, reflecting the rigorous and challenging nature of scientific work.
War & Conflict Unverifiable

Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.

1888 — Speech at the Sorbonne
Educational Unverifiable

Fortune favors the prepared mind.

1854 — Lecture at Lille University
Money & Business Unverifiable

The role of the infinitely small in nature is infinitely large.

1878 — Notes on microbiology
Nature & World Confirmed

Wine is the most healthful and hygienic of beverages.

1866 — Study on fermentation
Wisdom Unverifiable

The universe is asymmetric and I am persuaded that life, as it is known to us, is a direct result of the asymmetry of the universe.

1860 — Notes on molecular asymmetry
Wisdom Unverifiable

Do not let yourself be tainted with a barren skepticism.

1871 — Letter to a student
Wisdom Unverifiable

The Greeks understood the mysterious power of the hidden side of things.

1879 — Lecture
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

If I had the honor of being a surgeon… I would not only use absolutely clean instruments, but after having cleaned my hands with the greatest care, I would subject them to a rapid flaming.

1878 — Lecture on antiseptics
Wisdom Unverifiable

Posterity will one day laugh at the sublime foolishness of the modern materialistic philosophy.

19th century (approximate) — A strong, dramatic, and potentially ironic prediction about future scientific understanding.
General Unverifiable

Messieurs, c'est les microbes qui auront le dernier mot. (Gentlemen, it is the microbes who will have the last word.)

Late 19th century (approximate) — A stark, almost darkly humorous, statement about the ultimate power of microbes.
General Unverifiable

Little science takes you away from God but more of it takes you to Him.

19th century (approximate) — A philosophical statement with a touch of dry wit in its phrasing.
General Unverifiable

I am on the edge of mysteries and the veil is getting thinner and thinner.

Late 19th century (approximate) — A dramatic and somewhat poetic statement about scientific discovery, with a theatrical flair.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I am often scolded by Madame Pasteur, but I tell her I shall lead her to fame.

Late 19th century (approximate) — A personal, charmingly self-important, and humorous insight into his domestic life and ambition.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

You have not succeeded in your experiments, that is all there is to it.

19th century (approximate) — A very blunt and straightforward assessment of failure, almost comically dismissive.
General Unverifiable

The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator.

1872 — Letter to a colleague
General Confirmed
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