I will simply express my strong belief, that that point of self-education which consists in teaching the mind to resist its desires and inclinations, until they are proved to be right, is the most important of all, not only in things of natural philosophy, but in every department of daily life.
– Michael Faraday
‘Observations On Mental Education’, a lecture before the Prince Consort and the Royal Institution, May 6, 1854. Experimental researches in chemistry and physics (1859), 477.
The world little knows how many of the thoughts and theories which have passed through the mind of a scientific investigator, have been crushed in silence and secrecy by his own severe criticism and adverse examination!
– Michael Faraday
‘Observations On Mental Education’, a lecture before the Prince Consort and the Royal Institution, May 6, 1854. Experimental researches in chemistry and physics (1859), 486.
What a delight it is to think that you are quietly and philosophically at work in the pursuit of science…rather than fighting amongst the crowd of black passions and motives that seem now a days to urge men every where into action. What incredible scenes every where, what unworthy motives ruled for the moment, under high sounding phrases and at the last what disgusting revolutions.
– Michael Faraday Letter to C. Schrenbein, December 15, 1848.
Nothing is too wonderful to be true if it be consistent with the laws of nature.
– Michael Faraday (exact source unknown)
The five essential entrepreneurial skills for success are
concentration,
discrimination,
organization,
innovation and
communication. – Michael Faraday (exact source unknown)
“His [Faraday’s] soul was above all littleness and proof to all egotism.”
– John Tyndall Faraday as a Discoverer (1868), 104.
Michael Faraday was born this date 9/22/1791 at Newington, England (one mile south of London Bridge.) He was one of ten children born to a poor blacksmith; reportedly so poor a loaf of bread may have had to last all week.
At fourteen he apprenticed to a bookbinder learning much by reading (after work) the books being printed. This led to him seeking (and at twenty-two gaining) a position with Sir Humphrey Davey. Faraday traveled eighteen months with him obtaining a “university education” as his assistant.
Faraday went on to make great and well known discoveries in electro-magnetism and chemistry. He was a true scientist – he pursued truth.
Many may not know that Faraday was a Christian (Presbyterian- Sandamanian),[1] His was a deep faith which led him to make his confession at twenty-nine and later to become a minister in his church. He died in 1867.
[1] Convinced that churches are gatherings of true believers, rather than social clubs for anyone born in a parish.
Separate-Holy 