Nikola Tesla

AC electrical system, inventor

Modern influential 151 sayings

Sayings by Nikola Tesla

Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more.

Approximate — Philosophical view on the duality of human nature.
Philosophical Unverifiable

From an incandescent mass we have originated, and into a frozen mass we shall turn. Merciless is the law of nature, and rapidly and irresistibly we are drawn to our doom.

Approximate — Philosophical and somewhat bleak view on the origin and fate of existence.
Philosophical Unverifiable

When wireless is perfectly applied, the whole earth will be converted into a huge brain.

Approximate — Prediction on global interconnectedness through wireless technology.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Science is but a perversion of itself unless it has as its ultimate goal the betterment of humanity.

Approximate — Philosophical statement on the true purpose of scientific endeavor.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The harness of the forces of nature is the only means of true progress.

Approximate — Belief in leveraging natural forces for human advancement.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The spread of civilization may be likened to a fire; first, a feeble spark, next a flickering flame, then a mighty blaze, ever increasing in speed and power.

Approximate — Metaphor for the growth and evolution of civilization.
Philosophical Unverifiable

In no way can we get such an overwhelming idea of the grandeur of Nature than when we consider, that in accordance with the law of the conservation of energy, throughout the Infinite, the forces are in a perfect balance, and hence the energy of a single thought may determine the motion of a universe.

Approximate — Philosophical reflection on the power of thought and the balance of nature.
Philosophical Unverifiable

I am credited with being one of the hardest workers and perhaps I am, if thought is the equivalent of labour, for I have devoted to it almost all of my waking hours. But if work is interpreted to be a definite performance in a specified time according to a rigid rule, then I may be the worst of idlers.

Approximate — Paradoxical view on work, labor, and the nature of intellectual effort.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing on within themselves. The premature death of millions is primarily traceable to this cause. Even among those who exercise care, it is a common mistake to avoid imaginary, and ignore the real dangers. And what is true of an individual also applies, more or less, to a people as a whole.

Approximate — Deep reflection on human introspection, societal blindness, and self-awareness.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The gift of mental power comes from God, Divine Being, and if we concentrate our minds on that truth, we become in tune with this great power. My Mother had taught me to seek all truth in the Bible.

Approximate — Philosophical and spiritual view on the source of mental ability and truth.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Like a wave in the physical world, in the infinite ocean of the medium which pervades all, so in the world of organisms, in life, an impulse started proceeds onward, at times, may be, with the speed of light, at times, again, so slowly that for ages and ages it seems to stay, passing through processes of a complexity inconceivable to men, but in all its forms, in all its stages, its energy ever and ever integrally present.

Approximate — Deep, mind-bending metaphor for the continuous flow and energy of life.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The peril of a clash is aggravated by a more or less predominant sense of combativeness, posed by every human being. To resist this inherent fighting tendency the best way is to dispel ignorance of the doings of others by a systematic spread of general knowledge. With this object in view, it is most important to aid exchange of thought and intercourse.

Approximate — Philosophical on conflict resolution through knowledge and understanding.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Even matter which is called inorganic, deemed dead, responds to the disbelievers and gives irrefutable proof of the living principle within itself. Everything that exists, organic or inorganic, living and non-living is sensitive to outside stimuli.

Approximate — Philosophical and mind-bending view on the inherent life and responsiveness of all matter.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Man must exercise temperance and control of his senses and leanings in every way, thus keeping himself young in body and mind.

Approximate — Philosophical advice on self-mastery and well-being.
Philosophical Unverifiable

If you don't know how, observe the phenomena of nature, they will give you clear answers and inspiration.

Approximate — Guidance on learning and problem-solving through nature.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Insufficient observation is only a form of unknowing, a cause of many perverse incidents and a triumph of crazy ideas.

Approximate — Philosophical critique of poor observation and its consequences.
Philosophical Unverifiable

If I try to continue a broken line of thought, I feel a veritable spiritual nausea, then, almost by chance, I go over to another job, surprised by the freshness of mind and ease with which I overcome obstacles which had tormented me before. And as a rule I find answers to difficult questions with the least possible effort.

Approximate — Introspective account of his creative and problem-solving process.
Philosophical Unverifiable

We must all have some ideal which will govern our behaviour and satisfy us, but it is not material. It can be religion, art, science, whatever, it is only important that it acts as a non-material force.

Approximate — Philosophical statement on the importance of non-material ideals in life.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Money does not represent such a value as man has placed in it. All my money I invested in inventions which enabled new inventions enabling an easier life for humanity.

Approximate — Philosophical view on money and the purpose of wealth.
Philosophical Unverifiable

An individual is transitory, races and peoples will come and go, but man remains. This is wherein lies a deep difference between an individual and a whole.

Approximate — Philosophical distinction between the individual and the enduring essence of humanity.
Philosophical Unverifiable