Philosophical Sayings

When once the idea of the separate condensation was started, all these improvements followed as corollaries in quick succession, so that in the course of one or two days the invention was thus far complete in my mind, and I immediately set about an e…

I had gone to take a walk on a fine Sabbath afternoon, early in 1765... I was thinking upon the engine at the time... when the idea came into my mind that as steam was an elastic body it would rush into a vacuum, and if a communication were made betw…

I would rather face a loaded cannon than settle a disputed account or make a bargain.

I know grief has its period; but I have much to suffer...

My great success in life has been owing to my having paid attention to every detail.

Nothing man has discovered or imagined is to be named with the steam engine. It has no fellow.

one of the most ingenious, simple pieces of mechanism I have contrived.

I sell here, Sir, what all the world desires to have—POWER.

An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.

Hide not your talents, they for use were made, What's a sundial in the shade!

Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.

I am for doing good to the poor, but... I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. I observed...that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they prov…

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.

Never ruin an apology with an excuse.

To lengthen thy life lessen thy meals.

In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.

Anger is never without a Reason, but seldom with a good One.

The way to be safe, is never to be secure.