“For my confirmation, I didn’t get a watch and my first pair of long pants, like most Lutheran boys. I got a telescope. My mother thought it would make the best gift.”

If we continue at this leisurly pace, we will have to pass Russian customs when we land on the moon.

Basic research is what I am doing when I don’t know what I am doing.

Conquering the universe one has to solve two problems: gravity and red tape. We could have mastered gravity.

The rocket worked perfectly, except for landing on the wrong planet.

Our sun is one of a 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 thing in that enormous immensity.

A good engineer gets stale very fast if he doesn’t keep his hands dirty.

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?

All one can really leave one’s children is what’s inside their heads. Education, in other words, and not earthly possessions, is the ultimate legacy, the only thing that cannot be taken away.

Nature does not know extinction; all it knows is transformation. Everything science has taught me-and continues to teach me-strengthens my belief in the continuity of our spiritual existence after death. Nothing disappears without a trace.

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.

Man is not made for space. But with the help of biologists and medical doctors, he can be prepared and accommodated.

I have learned to use the word ‘impossible’ with the greatest caution.

We can lick gravity, but sometimes the paperwork is overwhelming.

It will free man from the remaining chains, the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet.

Man belongs wherever he wants to go – and he’ll do plenty well when he gets there.

It takes sixty-five thousand errors before you are qualified to make a rocket.

The best way to judge a life is to ask yourself, “Did I make the best use of the time I had?

I understand that change is frightening for people, especially if there’s nothing to go to. It’s best to stay where you are. I understand that.

I really love going back home. I think going back to a nice, relaxed little town is the best way to do it.

The lives of most men are patchwork quilts. Or at best one matching outfit with a closet and laundry bag full of incongruous accumulations. A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.

The sun will stand as your best man And whistle When you have found the courage To marry forgiveness When you have found the courage to marry Love.

If Zizou kept his temper, he would not be the genius that he is.

The study of History is the best medicine for a sick mind.

My parents make sure we have everything we need so that we compete to the best of our abilities.