The Most Inspiring Quotes by Nikola Tesla: A Must-Read!

Reviewed by Soliu.

Some of the most inspiring quotes by Nikola Tesla include:

• “If you only knew the magnificence of the 3, 6 and 9, then you would have the key to the universe.”
  
• “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.”
  
• “The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence.”
  
• “The most important product of man’s creative brain is the invention. The ultimate purpose is the complete mastery of mind over the material world, the harnessing of human nature to human needs.”

Nikola Tesla was a visionary inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist who left an indelible mark on the world with his groundbreaking innovations and forward-thinking ideas. 

Beyond his inventions, Tesla’s words continue to inspire and enlighten generations. In this article, we will explore some of the most inspiring quotes by Nikola Tesla, delving into their meanings and the lessons they impart.

Nikola Tesla Biography 

Nikola Tesla, often hailed as one of the greatest inventors and visionaries in the history of science, was born on July 10, 1856, in Smiljan, which was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (modern-day Croatia). 

He grew up in a Serbian family and later became a naturalized American citizen. Tesla’s contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electrical systems, wireless communication, radar, and numerous other inventions laid the foundation for many technologies that we rely on today.

Early Life and Education:

An incredible intellect and a penchant for innovation marked Tesla’s early life. He studied engineering at the Technical University of Graz and later at the Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague. After working in telegraphy and electrical engineering, Tesla moved to the United States in 1884 to work with the renowned inventor and businessman Thomas Edison.

One of the most significant contributions of Tesla was his development and promotion of alternating current (AC) electrical systems. He advocated for AC over direct current (DC) systems, which Edison supported. Tesla’s AC system was more efficient for transmitting electricity over long distances and is the foundation of the modern electrical grid.

Inventions and Contributions:

Tesla held over 300 patents for his inventions and discoveries. He pioneered the development of the induction motor and transformer, which are fundamental components of many electrical systems. Tesla also made significant contributions to wireless communication and radio waves, which later laid the groundwork for the invention of radio.

One of Tesla’s ambitious projects was the Wardenclyffe Tower, intended to be a wireless global communication and power transmission system. Although the project was never completed due to lack of funding, it demonstrated Tesla’s far-reaching vision for the future of technology.

Despite facing financial difficulties in his later years, Tesla’s contributions to science and technology have been widely recognized and celebrated. Today, the unit of magnetic flux density in the International System of Units is named the “tesla” in his honour.

Nikola Tesla passed away on January 7, 1943, in New York City, largely forgotten by the public. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, his work received renewed attention, and he became a symbol of scientific innovation and creativity. 

Tesla is now celebrated worldwide for his pioneering contributions to the development of modern electrical systems and his vision for a future powered by renewable energy sources and wireless communication. His legacy continues to inspire scientists, inventors, and dreamers around the globe.

Quotes by Nikola Tesla

1. “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.”

Tesla’s dedication to shaping the future shines through in this quote. It encapsulates his belief in his inventions and ideas, emphasizing the importance of long-term vision and persistence.

2. “I don’t care that they stole my idea… I care that they don’t have any of their own.”

This quote reflects Tesla’s frustration with those who lack creativity and innovation. It highlights the significance of original thinking and the value of nurturing one’s creativity.

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

Here, Tesla delves into the intricacies of human nature. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of our strengths and weaknesses, illustrating the holistic nature of humanity.

4. “The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence.”

This forward-looking quote showcases Tesla’s anticipation of advancements in metaphysical and spiritual realms. It challenges the boundaries of conventional scientific thought, urging humanity to explore beyond the tangible world.

5. “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”

Tesla’s profound understanding of the universe is encapsulated in this quote. It emphasizes the fundamental concepts that govern our existence, offering a perspective that transcends the material realm.

6. “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.”

In this quote, Tesla delves into the exhilarating experience of invention. He captures the essence of the creative process, emphasizing the emotional and intellectual fulfilment it brings.

7. “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.”

This quote expresses Tesla’s confidence in its innovations and long-term vision. He believed that his groundbreaking work would shape the future.

“I don’t care that they stole my idea… I care that they don’t have any of their own.”

Tesla was more concerned about a lack of creativity and innovation in others rather than people copying his ideas. He valued original thinking.

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

Tesla emphasized the interconnection of human strengths and weaknesses, highlighting their essential balance in shaping an individual’s character.

9. “The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane.”

Tesla contrasted deep thinking with clarity of thought, indicating that profound ideas can emerge even in unconventional or unconventional states of mind.

10. “The mind is sharper and keener in seclusion and uninterrupted solitude. Originality thrives in seclusion, free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind. Be alone; that is the secret of invention. Be alone; that is when ideas are born.”

Tesla advocated for the power of solitude and uninterrupted focus, suggesting that originality and creativity flourish when the mind is free from external distractions.

11. “Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.”

Tesla viewed life as a complex equation, acknowledging that while it might not be fully solvable, there are certain constants and truths within it.

12. “I don’t think there is any such thing as an ordinary mortal. Everybody has the possibility of rapture in the experience of life. All he has to do is recognize it and then cultivate it and get going with it.”

Tesla believed in the extraordinary potential of every individual, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s unique capabilities and pursuing them with passion and determination.

13. “The desire that guides me in all I do is the desire to harness the forces of nature to the service of mankind.”

Tesla’s driving force was his desire to use natural forces for the betterment of humanity, highlighting his dedication to serving the greater good.

14. “Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing on within themselves.”

Tesla observed the tendency of people to be preoccupied with external matters, often neglecting self-reflection and introspection. He hinted at the importance of inner awareness and understanding.

15. “The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence.”

This quote suggests Tesla’s belief in the potential of studying metaphysical and spiritual aspects, indicating that exploring beyond the physical world could lead to significant scientific advancements.

16. “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”

Tesla emphasized the fundamental principles of the universe, suggesting that understanding energy, frequency, and vibration is key to unraveling its mysteries.

17. “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.”

Tesla described the intense excitement experienced by inventors as their creative ideas come to fruition, underscoring the joy of innovation.

These quotes by Nikola Tesla reveal deep thoughts on creativity, solitude, the human mind, and the pursuit of knowledge. They continue to inspire thinkers, inventors, and dreamers, reminding us of the limitless potential of the human intellect.

Famous Quotes by Nikola Tesla 

• If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.

• Of all things, I liked books best.

• Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.

• My brain is only a receiver, in the Universe there is a core from which we obtain knowledge, strength and inspiration. I have not penetrated into the secrets of this core, but I know that it exists.

• If your hate could be turned into electricity, it would light up the whole world.

• What we now want is closer contact and better understanding between individuals and communities all over the earth, and the elimination of egoism and pride, which is always prone to plunge the world into primeval barbarism and strife… Peace can only come as a natural consequence of universal enlightenment…

• 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 . . . Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.

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

• Let the future tell the truth, and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishments. The present is theirs; the future, for which I have really worked, is mine

• All that was great in the past was ridiculed, condemned, combated, suppressed — only to emerge all the more powerfully, all the more triumphantly from the struggle.

• Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.

• Invention is the most important product of man’s creative brain. The ultimate purpose is the complete mastery of mind over the material world, the harnessing of human nature to human needs.

• Today’s scientists have substituted mathematics for experiments, and they wander off through equation after equation, and eventually build a structure which has no relation to reality.

• 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.

• “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”

Top Nikola Tesla’s Quotes on Life

While Nikola Tesla is primarily remembered for his contributions to science and technology, he also shared insightful thoughts about life. Here are a few quotes by Nikola Tesla about life;

• “Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.”
• “Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.”
• “The human being is a self-propelled automaton entirely under the control of external influences. Willful and predetermined, though they appear, his actions are governed not from within but from without. He is ignorant of the source of his inspiration and is not conscious of the fact that he translates the divine will into his actions.”
• “Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more.”
• “Life is a rhythm that must be comprehended. I feel the rhythm and direction on it and pamper in it. It was very nice and pleasant to let go sometimes, but my soul went in pursuit of cosmic rhythms.”
• “I do not think you can name many great inventions that married men have made.”

Nikola Tesla quotes about the future. 

Nikola Tesla’s work and ideas were deeply rooted in the concept of shaping the future. While specific quotes about the future attributed to him are limited, his overall body of work and philosophy reflected a keen interest in advancing humanity. Here is an inspirational quote often cited in the context of the future:

• “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.”

This quote encapsulates Tesla’s visionary mindset, emphasizing his focus on long-term progress and innovation. While there might be other lesser-known quotes, this particular statement reflects his dedication to shaping a future driven by his inventions and ideas.

Having seen various inspiring quotes by Nikola Tesla, it’s also vital that we delve into his biography to know more about the man behind the quotes.

Conclusion

These quotes by Nikola Tesla not only reflect his genius but also offer timeless wisdom and inspiration to individuals across the globe. Through his words, we are reminded of the importance of innovation, creativity, and perseverance in the face of challenges. 

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, Tesla’s quotes serve as guiding lights, encouraging us to explore, embrace our creativity, and shape a future that aligns with our highest aspirations.

Source: https://quotefancy.com/nikola-tesla-quotes