Louis Pasteur

“L' univers est dissymetrique... The universe is asymmetric and I am persuaded that life, as it is known to us, is a direct result of the asymmetry of the universe or of its indirect consequences. The universe is asymmetric.”

“There does not exist a category of science to which one can give the name applied science. There are sciences and the applications of science, bound together as the fruit of the tree which bears it. Revue Scientifique (1871) Variant translation: There are no such things as applied sciences, only applications of science.”

“Where observation is concerned, chance favors only the prepared mind.”

“In the field of observation, chance favors the prepared mind.”

“Fortune favors the prepared mind.”

“Chance favors the prepared mind.”

“Dans les champs de l'observation le hasard ne favorise que les esprits préparés. In the fields of observation chance favours only the prepared mind . Lecture, University of Lille”

“My plan of study is traced for this coming year... I am hoping to develop it shortly in the most successful manner... I think that I have already told you that I am on the verge of mysteries, and that the veil which covers them is getting thinner and thinner. The nights seem to me too long, yet I do not complain... I am often scolded by Mme. Pasteur, but I console her by telling her that I shall lead her to fame. The Life of Pasteur (1916) by René Vallery”

“I am on the verge of mysteries and the veil is getting thinner and thinner. The nights seem to me too long... I am often scolded by Madame Pasteur, but I tell her I shall lead her to fame. Microbe Hunters (1926) by Paul De Kruif”

“I am on the edge of mysteries and the veil is getting thinner and thinner. Letter (December 1851); as quoted in The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague In History (2004) by John M. Barry”