Babbage's Quotes

Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all. — Charles Babbage

For one person who is blessed with the power of invention, many will always be found who have the capacity of applying principles. — Charles Babbage

In mathematics we have long since drawn the rein, and given over a hopeless race. — Charles Babbage

A tool is usually more simple than a machine; it is generally used with the hand, whilst a machine is frequently moved by animal or steam power. — Charles Babbage

Another mode of accumulating power arises from lifting a weight and then allowing it to fall. — Charles Babbage

An object is frequently not seen, from not knowing how to see it, rather than from any defect of the organ of vision. — Charles Babbage

Telegraphs are machines for conveying information over extensive lines with great rapidity. — Charles Babbage

I wish to God these calculations had been executed by steam, — Charles Babbage

The possessors of wealth can scarcely be indifferent to processes which, nearly or remotely have been the fertile source of their possessions. — Charles Babbage

If we look at the fact, we shall find that the great inventions of the age are not, with us at least, always produced in universities. — Charles Babbage

What is there in a name? It is merely an empty basket, until you put something into it. — Charles Babbage

Whenever the work is itself light, it becomes necessary, in order to economize time, to increase the velocity. — Charles Babbage

The economy of human time is the next advantage of machinery in manufactures. — Charles Babbage

Perhaps it would be better for science, that all criticism should be avowed. — Charles Babbage

I have no desire to write my own biography, as long as I have strength and means to do better work. — Charles Babbage

At each increase of knowledge, as well as on the contrivance of every new tool, human labour becomes abridged. — Charles Babbage

A young man passes from our public schools to the universities, ignorant almost of the elements of every branch of useful knowledge. — Charles Babbage

Thinking about language, while thinking _in_ language, leads to puzzles and paradoxes. — James Gleick