23 quotes
The rocket worked perfectly, except for landing on the wrong planet.
There is just one thing I can promise you about the outer-space program: Your tax dollar will go farther.
Reader's Digest (1961)
One of the most disconcerting issues of our time lies in the fact that modern science, along with miracle drugs and communications satellites, has also produced nuclear bombs.
Responsible Scientific Investigation and Application (1976)
I have learned to use the word 'impossible' with the greatest caution.
My experiences with science led me to God. They challenge science to prove the existence of God. But must we really light a candle to see the sun?
Science, all by itself, has no moral dimension. The same poison-containing drug which cures when taken in small doses, may kill when taken in excess.
Responsible Scientific Investigation and Application (1976)
I'm convinced that before the year 2000 is over, the first child will have been born on the moon.
Don't tell me that man doesn't belong out there. Man belongs wherever he wants to go — and he'll do plenty well when he gets there.
Today we live in a different world because in 1958 Americans accepted the challenge of space and made the required national investment to meet it.
Responsible Scientific Investigation and Application (1976)
We can lick gravity, but sometimes the paperwork is overwhelming.
It is in scientific honesty that I endorse the presentation of alternative theories for the origin of the universe, life and man in the science classroom. It would be an error to overlook the possibility that the universe was planned rather than happening by chance.
Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing.
Science does not have a moral dimension. It is like a knife. If you give it to a surgeon or a murderer, each will use it differently.
For me, the idea of a creation is not conceivable without invoking the necessity of design. One cannot be exposed to the law and order of the universe without concluding that there must be design and purpose behind it all.
Everything in space obeys the laws of physics. If you know these laws, and obey them, space will treat you kindly. And don't tell me that man doesn't belong out there. Man belongs wherever he wants to go — and he’ll do plenty well when he gets there.
In most cases the scientist will be fully aware of the possibility of an abuse of his discoveries, but aside from his innate scientific curiosity he will be motivated by a deep-seated hope and belief that something of value for his fellow man may emerge from his labors.
Responsible Scientific Investigation and Application (1976)
Our two greatest problems are gravity and paper work. We can lick gravity, but sometimes the paperwork is overwhelming.
The space program is the first large scientific and technological activity in history that offers to bring the people of all nations together instead of setting them further apart.
Responsible Scientific Investigation and Application (1976)
I would like simply to point out that the space program has by all standards become America's greatest generator of new ideas in science and technology.
Responsible Scientific Investigation and Application (1976)
Our sun is one of 100 billion stars in our galaxy. Our galaxy is one of billions of galaxies populating the universe. It would be the height of presumption to think that we are the only living things in that enormous immensity.