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.
Strange & Unusual 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.
Strange & Unusual 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.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

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

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

1888 — Speech at the Sorbonne
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Fortune favors the prepared mind.

1854 — Lecture at Lille University
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

1878 — Notes on microbiology
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Wine is the most healthful and hygienic of beverages.

1866 — Study on fermentation
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Do not let yourself be tainted with a barren skepticism.

1871 — Letter to a student
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

1879 — Lecture
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous Unverifiable

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

1872 — Letter to a colleague
Controversial Confirmed