Portrait of Robert Koch

Robert Koch

Germ theory, tuberculosis

Modern influential 93 sayings

Sayings by Robert Koch

The more we learn about bacteria, the more we realize their complexity.

circa 1890s — Scientific observation
Educational Unverifiable

The prevention of disease is far more important than its cure.

1890s — Speech
Wisdom Unverifiable

If my work has any value, it lies in the method, not in the result.

1880s — On his scientific methodology
Wisdom Unverifiable

The microbes are always there; it is the soil that changes.

1890s — On disease susceptibility
Wisdom Unverifiable

A doctor must be able to do two things: see microscopically and think logically.

1882 — On medical training
Wisdom Unverifiable

I have worked like a man possessed, but not for fame or money.

1880s — On his relentless research habits
Money & Business Unverifiable

The fight against tuberculosis is not a question of science alone, but of social reform.

1901 — On public health challenges
Educational Unverifiable

The fight against tuberculosis is hopeless unless we attack the germ directly.

1901 — Advocating germ-focused treatment over general hygiene measures
General Unverifiable

The bacillus is not the sole cause of tuberculosis.

1901 — Acknowledging complexities in TB etiology, contrary to his earlier claims
General Unverifiable

The idea that diseases of humans and animals are fundamentally different is erroneous.

1890 — Challenging medical orthodoxy on zoonotic diseases
General Unverifiable

The study of bacteria has opened up a new world of knowledge, and it is a world full of wonders.

1880s — Speech
Shocking Unverifiable

As long as we do not know the cause of a disease, we can do nothing for its prevention.

1880s — Lecture
Shocking Unverifiable

The tubercle bacillus is the cause of tuberculosis.

1882 — Announcement of his discovery
Shocking Unverifiable

It is not the individual that is the target of disease, but the species.

1890s — Reflecting on the broader impact of infectious diseases
Shocking Unverifiable

The fight against infectious diseases is the most important task of medicine.

1890s — Speech
Shocking Unverifiable

I have devoted my life to the study of bacteria, and I have found it to be a most rewarding pursuit.

1900s — Interview
Shocking Unverifiable

The methods of bacteriological research are simple, but they require great patience and precision.

1880s — Instructions for scientific methodology
Shocking Unverifiable

It is a great satisfaction to know that my work has contributed to the well-being of humanity.

1905 — Remarks after receiving the Nobel Prize
Shocking Unverifiable

The discovery of the cholera bacillus was a very exciting moment in my career.

1884 — Recalling his discovery in Egypt
Shocking Unverifiable

We must not rest until all infectious diseases are conquered.

1890s — Motivational speech
Shocking Unverifiable
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