Quotes by Irving Langmuir

Only a small part of scientific progress has resulted from planned search for specific objectives. A much more important part has been made possible by the freedom of the individual to follow his own curiosity.

To my mind, the most important aspect of the Nobel Awards is that they bring home to the masses of the peoples of all nations, a realization of their common interests. They carry to those who have no direct contact with science the international spirit.

Science, almost from its beginnings, has been truly international in character. National prejudices disappear completely in the scientist's search for truth.

Medicine also disregards national boundaries.

The scientist is motivated primarily by curiosity and a desire for truth.

Happy indeed is the scientist who not only has the pleasures which I have enumerated, but who also wins the recognition of fellow scientists and of the mankind which ultimately benefits from his endeavors.

History proves abundantly that pure science, undertaken without regard to applications to human needs, is usually ultimately of direct benefit to mankind.

And literature frequently rises to heights that make it international.