Portrait of Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla

AC electrical system, inventor

Modern influential 151 sayings

Sayings by Nikola Tesla

The world has been too slow to grasp the true significance of my inventions.

Late in his career — Often implied in his later writings and interviews.
General Unverifiable

The scientific man does not aim at an immediate result. He does not expect that his advanced ideas will be readily grasped. His duty is to lay the foundation for those who are to come, and point the way.

1919 — My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
General Unverifiable

I have been called by some a visionary, by others a dreamer, but I am a practical man.

Unknown — Often attributed, reflects his self-defense against critics.
General Unverifiable

I have an absolute aversion to pearls.

Throughout his adult life — Reported idiosyncrasy, mentioned in biographies like 'Prodigal Genius' by O'Neill.
General Unverifiable

I have a peculiar horror of women's ear-rings.

Throughout his adult life — Reported idiosyncrasy, mentioned in biographies like 'Prodigal Genius' by O'Neill.
General Unverifiable

I felt that I could not touch the hair of other people, except with gloves.

Throughout his adult life — Reported idiosyncrasy, mentioned in biographies like 'Prodigal Genius' by O'Neill.
General Unverifiable

The wireless transmission of power is a distinct possibility.

1904 — Interview, 'Electrical World and Engineer'
General Unverifiable

The time will come when the forces of the universe will be brought under the control of man.

1900 — Lecture, 'The Problem of Increasing Human Energy'
General Unverifiable

I have been misinterpreted and misunderstood.

Late in his career — Various letters and interviews, a recurring theme in his later life.
General Unverifiable

The greatest discovery of all time will be the discovery of a new source of energy.

1931 — Interview, 'New York Times'
General Unverifiable

I do not care to be a millionaire. I only want to be great.

Unknown — Often attributed, reflects his disdain for material wealth.
General Unverifiable

I consider myself a very fortunate man, because I have been able to devote my entire life to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of humanity.

Unknown — While reflecting his general sentiment, this specific wording is a common paraphrase rather than a d…
General Unverifiable

I have perfected a machine which will make it possible to transmit energy without wires to any point on the globe.

Early 1900s — Various public statements and interviews regarding Wardenclyffe.
General Unverifiable

I don't care that they stole my idea . . I care that they don't have any of their own.

Late 19th - early 20th century (approximate) — Reflecting on his ideas being used by others without original thought.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

If your hate could be turned into electricity, it would light up the whole world.

Late 19th - early 20th century (approximate) — A vivid and imaginative statement, possibly metaphorical.
General Unverifiable

Einstein's relativity work is a magnificent mathematical garb which fascinates, dazzles and makes people blind to the underlying errors. The theory is like a beggar clothed in purple whom ignorant people take for a king... its exponents are brilliant men but they are metaphysicists rather than scientists.

1935 — Strong criticism of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, published in The New York Times.
Work & Money Unverifiable

The theory of relativity is a mass of errors and deceptive ideas violently opposed to the teachings of the great men of science of the past and even to common sense.

1930s (approximate) — Further strong criticism of Einstein's theory of relativity.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

You may live to see man-made horrors beyond your comprehension.

1935 — A dark, prophetic, and somewhat dramatic statement, published in The New York Times.
General Unverifiable

Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.

Late 19th - early 20th century (approximate) — A reflection on his solitary nature and its impact on his creative process.
General Unverifiable

Of all things, I liked books best.

Late 19th - early 20th century (approximate) — A simple, direct statement revealing his passion for reading.
General Unverifiable
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