Portrait of Wernher von Braun

Wernher von Braun

Rocket engineer, space program

Modern influential 99 sayings

Sayings by Wernher von Braun

We will reach for the stars, and we will find them.

1960s — Poetic and determined statement about space goals
Wisdom Unverifiable

Without space, we are nothing.

1960s — Exaggerated statement to emphasize the importance of space
Wisdom Unverifiable

My conscience is clear. I only ever wanted to go to the moon.

Post-WWII, 1960s — Reported during discussions of his past
Educational Unverifiable

I am not a warmonger. I am a space enthusiast.

1950s-1960s — Distinguishing his motivations from military applications
Wisdom Unverifiable

The space program is a catalyst for progress.

1960s — Argument for the broader benefits of space exploration
Wisdom Unverifiable

My whole life has been dedicated to the conquest of space.

1970s — Summary of his life's work
Wisdom Unverifiable

The rocket worked perfectly except for landing on the wrong planet.

1950s — Discussing early rocket tests
Nature & World Confirmed

I aim for the stars, but sometimes I hit London.

1960s — Dark humor about V-2 rockets during WWII
Wisdom Unverifiable

Don’t tell me that man doesn’t belong out there. Man belongs wherever he wants to go.

1960s — Advocating for space exploration
Wisdom Unverifiable

The Moon is a harsh mistress.

1960s — Referencing lunar colonization challenges
Nature & World Unverifiable

One cannot be timid when one works with liquid oxygen.

1950s — Discussing rocket fuel hazards
Wisdom Unverifiable

Space is like a jungle—sometimes you get what you want, and sometimes you get eaten.

1960s — Warning about space exploration risks
Wisdom Unverifiable

The only progress you make is the progress you measure.

1960s — Discussing scientific progress
Wisdom Unverifiable

The dinosaurs became extinct because they didn’t have a space program.

1970s — Advocating space exploration
Wisdom Unverifiable

Crash programs fail because they are based on the theory that, with nine women pregnant, you can get a baby a month.

1960s — Criticizing rushed engineering
Educational Unverifiable

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

1960s — Encouraging innovation
Wisdom Unverifiable

I’m convinced that before the year 2000 is over, the first child will have been born on the Moon.

1970s — Predicting lunar colonization
Wisdom Confirmed

The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition.

1970s — Discussing space travel challenges
Wisdom Unverifiable

You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.

1960s — Advice to young engineers
Inspirational Unverifiable

The most important thing is to have a vision—and then to stick with it.

1970s — Discussing leadership
Wisdom Unverifiable
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