Marie Curie

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves."

"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."

"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas."

"Life means not just existing or passing the time until you die, but truly living the experiences God has given you."

"I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy."

"The Nobel Prize has given me the opportunity to advance my scientific work and continue my research."

"I have frequently been questioned, especially by women, of how I could work in the laboratory and at the same time manage a household."

"You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for his own improvement."

"Radium has something to do with things radioactive, and I should say that it has something to do with the forces of nature itself."

"The discovery of radium was a great adventure and a great responsibility."

"In science, there are no shortcuts to truth."

"I was always saddened when a distinction was made between my scientific work and my role as a woman."

"Our life is filled with excitement—then we should share it with those who are closest to us."

"I believe that scientific workers are not responsible for the applications of their discoveries."

"My most brilliant discovery was Pierre Curie."

"The unusual nature of atmospheric radiation surprised us and we thus resolved to investigate it more thoroughly."

"We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."

"The sciences have not yet spoken their last word. Who knows what discoveries and transformations await us?"

"It is my sincere hope that you will be enabled to assist in the solution of some of the great problems of our time."

"One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done."

"To be a scientist, one must have determination and willingness to work despite difficulties."

"I have no dress except the one I wear every day. If you are going to have any dress, it is better to have a simple one."

"The more success I have, the more I realize how little I know."

"Science belongs to humanity as a whole and progress in science is universal."

"Nothing is lost if one retains courage and determination."

"I was taught to work hard and to be honest, and these lessons have served me well."

"The history of science shows that new discoveries are often made by those who are not afraid to challenge established ideas."

"You cannot expect to arrive at truth by ignoring the complexity of the world."

"Every element has a unique story to tell if we listen carefully enough."

"Education was my pathway out of poverty and ignorance."