Nikola Tesla

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. Every effort under compulsion demands a sacrifice of life-energy. I never paid such a price. On the contrary, I have thrived on my thoughts.

• My Inventions
  • p. 4 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

Engineering, electrical and mechanical, is positive in results. There is scarcely a subject that cannot be mathematically treated and the effects calculated or the results determined beforehand from the available theoretical and practical data. The carrying out into practise of a crude idea is as is being generally done is, I hold, nothing but a waste of energy, money, and time.

• My Inventions
  • p. 12 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

An inventor's endeavor is essentially lifesaving. Whether he harnesses forces, improves devices, or provides new comforts and conveniences, he is adding to the safety of our existence.

• My Inventions
  • p. 19 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

Instinct is something which transcends knowledge. We have, undoubtedly, certain finer fibers that enable us to perceive truths when logical deduction, or any other willful effort of the brain, is futile.

• My Inventions
  • p. 34 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

I wish that I could put in words my first impressions of this country. In the Arabian Tales I read how genii transported people into a land of dreams to live thru delightful adventures. My case was just the reverse. The genii had carried me from a world of dreams into one of realities. What I had left was beautiful, artistic and fascinating in every way; what I saw here was machined, rough and unattractive. A burly policeman was twirling his stick which looked to me as big as a log. I approached him politely with the request to direct me. "Six blocks down, then to the left," he said, with murder in his eyes. "Is this America?" I asked myself in painful surprise. "It is a century behind Europe in civilization."

When I went abroad in 1889—five years having elapsed since my arrival here—I became convinced that it was more than one hundred years ahead of Europe and nothing has happened to this day to change my opinion.

• My Inventions
  • p. 48 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

As I review the events of my past life I realize how subtle are the influences that shape our destinies.

• My Inventions
  • p. 53 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

My project was retarded by laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time. But the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success.

• My Inventions
  • p. 64 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

My belief is firm in a law of compensation. The true rewards are ever in proportion to the labor and sacrifices made.

• My Inventions
  • p. 67 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.

• My Inventions
  • p. 76 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)

Religious dogmas are no longer accepted in their orthodox meaning, but every individual clings to faith in a supreme power of some kind. We all must have an ideal to govern our conduct and insure contentment, but it is immaterial whether it be one of creed, art, science or anything else, so long as it fulfills the function of a dematerializing force. It is essential to the peaceful existence of humanity as a whole that one common conception should prevail.

• My Inventions
  • p. 79 ("The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla and Other Works", Canterbury Classics, 2021)