Nikola Tesla

AC electrical system, inventor

Modern influential 151 sayings

Sayings by Nikola Tesla

I see no reason why a man should not be able to transmit his thoughts to another across the ocean.

1926 — Interview, 'When Woman is Boss'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The human being is a self-propelled automaton, fatally bound to the circuit of the universe.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, often in discussions of his philosophical views on free will and determinism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have not invented a 'death ray'. I don't need a 'death ray' to destroy an army. I can simply create a vibratory force that would shatter the earth.

1930s — Statement to the press, discussing his 'teleforce' weapon.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am unwilling to admit that there are any insurmountable obstacles to the realization of the wireless transmission of power.

1900 — Lecture, 'The Problem of Increasing Human Energy'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The history of science shows that theories are perishable. Every truth that has been discovered was first ridiculed, then violently opposed, then accepted as self-evident.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, general sentiment reflective of his experiences.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am equally proud of my Serbian origin and my Croatian homeland.

1936 — Letter to Croatian politician Vlatko Maček
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The ideal of a true man is to lead a life of self-sacrifice and devotion to the welfare of others.

1919 — Interview, 'My Inventions'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been ahead of my time.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, often in discussions of his foresight and underappreciation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest discoveries have been made by men who were not afraid to challenge the accepted dogmas.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, general sentiment.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I do not believe in the spirit of competition, but in the spirit of cooperation.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, reflecting his vision for a collaborative world.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The future of humanity lies in the utilization of the sun's energy.

1931 — New York Times
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I was educated in a monastery, and I read everything that came into my hands.

1919 — Interview, 'My Inventions'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The world is not yet ready for my inventions.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, often cited to explain the lack of widespread adoption of some of his ideas.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been so absorbed in my work that I have neglected my personal life.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, general sentiment about his dedication to science.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The wireless transmission of energy is the most important discovery of all time.

Early 20th Century — Various lectures and writings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am willing to sacrifice my life for the benefit of humanity.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, reflecting his humanitarian ideals.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest good for the greatest number is the only goal worth striving for.

Early 20th Century — Attributed, general philosophical outlook.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success.

1893 — Interview with 'New York Times'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My brain is only a receiver, in the Universe there is a core from which we obtain knowledge, strength, and inspiration.

1933 — Statement to a reporter
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been feeding pigeons, thousands of them, for years. But there was one, a beautiful bird, pure white with light grey tips on its wings; that one was different.

1922 — From his diary, referring to a pigeon he claimed to love like a person
Strange & Unusual Confirmed