Rosalind Franklin

DNA structure X-ray crystallography

Modern influential 52 sayings

Sayings by Rosalind Franklin

It's a pity that scientific recognition often comes with so much struggle and politics.

c. 1950s — Personal reflection or letter
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My work on viruses is progressing well. It's a fascinating field.

1954 — Letter to a friend, after moving to Birkbeck College
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I often feel that women in science have to work twice as hard to prove themselves.

c. 1950s — Personal reflection, possibly in a letter or diary
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The structure of tobacco mosaic virus is quite intricate, and I'm enjoying the challenge.

1955 — Letter to a colleague, discussing her research at Birkbeck
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I prefer to let my results do the talking.

c. 1950s — Statement of her professional demeanor
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most exciting moments in science are when you discover something completely new.

c. 1950s — Personal reflection
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom if the evidence supports it.

c. 1950s — Statement of scientific courage
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavour, regardless of the personal cost.

c. 1950s — Philosophical musings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It's important to be thorough in one's experiments. Hasty conclusions can be misleading.

c. 1950s — Advice to a junior researcher or a general scientific principle
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe that science should be a collaborative effort, not a race.

c. 1950s — Personal opinion on scientific practice
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The more I understand, the more I realize how much there is still to learn.

c. 1950s — Philosophical reflection
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I find great joy in the process of scientific discovery.

c. 1950s — Personal reflection
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most important thing is to have an open mind and to be willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads.

c. 1950s — Advice or scientific principle
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have no patience for intellectual dishonesty.

c. 1950s — Strong personal conviction, possibly expressed in a letter or conversation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The beauty of a crystal lies in its perfect order.

c. 1940s-1950s — Observation, relating to her crystallography work
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not easily deterred by setbacks.

c. 1950s — Statement of resilience
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The ultimate goal of science is to improve human understanding and welfare.

c. 1950s — Philosophical statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I often find solace in my work, particularly when facing personal difficulties.

c. 1950s — Personal reflection or letter
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The scientific method is the most reliable path to truth.

c. 1950s — Statement of belief in scientific principles
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not one to seek fame or glory, but rather to contribute to knowledge.

c. 1950s — Personal credo
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable