Ada Lovelace

"I remain, as ever, devoted to the advancement of knowledge."

"The Analytical Engine weaves algebraic patterns just as the Jacquard loom weaves flowers and leaves."

"I am much annoyed at your having altered my Note. You know I am always willing to make any required alterations myself, but that I cannot endure another person to meddle with my sentences."

"The mind is a vast universe unto itself, capable of understanding the very mechanisms of creation."

"My friend, you know how I hate it when you use the phrase 'only a woman.'"

"The poetical science is the only science fit for a woman of spirit."

"I do not think you yet fully comprehend what a much more powerful character this Analytical Engine will possess."

"It is a curious thing that people are so ready to dismiss what they cannot understand."

"I believe my destiny is to translate the language of nature into the language of numbers."

"Do not suppose that my long silence has been caused by indifference or want of affection."

"The science of operations, as derived from mathematics, is a science of itself."

"I want to express my personal opinions, which I fear may be somewhat heretical."

"If we wish to understand the nature of things, we must look beyond the surface."

"I have, I believe, the power of going just as deep, but not deeper than most people."

"The great working bee of life may prosper only when she has proper conditions."

"Mathematical science shows what is. It is the language in which God wrote the world."

"I should say that whatever weakens the mental faculties is a genuine evil."

"The world has never yet seen a really great woman who wanted to rule men; all the great women have wanted to rule circumstances."

"I wonder if any woman was ever considered as a scientific mind before this time."

"You will understand that I am not a believer in the rigid application of rules."

"I have no desire to show off or to figure, and the more quiet and unseen I am, the better pleased I shall be."

"The unseen world is not far from us, but we must have the right instruments to perceive it."

"Babbage is mercifully patient with me, and I am determined to work as he directs."

"It is annoying to have one's deepest convictions subjected to scrutiny and doubt."

"I desire to know the ultimate truth of all things."

"The Analytical Engine is weaving numerical patterns as perfect as the rose petals in the garden."

"I have not the presumption to believe that my notes will be without errors."

"The science of calculating is the highest science of all."

"My real affliction is not bodily, but mental and moral."

"I am more and more impressed by the grandeur of mathematical science."