Quotes from Ernest Rutherford

Of all created comforts, God is the lender; you are the borrower, not the owner.

Gentlemen, we have run out of money. It is time to start thinking.

A theory that you can't explain to a bartender is probably no damn good.

All of physics is either impossible or trivial. It is impossible until you understand it, and then it becomes trivial.

We haven't got the money, so we've got to think.

If your experiment needs statistics, you ought to have done a better experiment.

The energy produced by the breaking down of the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformation of these atoms is talking moonshine.

I am a great believer in the simplicity of things and as you probably know I am inclined to hang on to broad & simple ideas like grim death until evidence is too strong for my tenacity.

Gentlemen, now you will see that now you see nothing. And why you see nothing you will see presently.

You should never bet against anything in science at odds of more than about 10-12 to 1.

That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.

We cannot control atomic energy to an extent which would be of any value commercially, and I believe we are not likely ever to be able to do so.

That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.

The only possible conclusion that social sciences can draw is some do, some don't.

You should never bet against anything in science at odds of more than about 10-12 to 1.

If, as I have reason to believe, I have disintegrated the nucleus of the atom, this is of greater significance than th

Now I know what the atom looks like.

It is essential for men of science to take an interest in the administration of their own affairs or else the professional civil servant will step in - and then the Lord help you.

All scientific men will be delighted to extend their warmest congratulations to Tesla and to express their appreciation of his great contributions to science.

Never say, "I tried it once and it did not work."

You know, I am sorry for the poor fellows that haven't got labs to work in.

The only possible conclusion the social sciences can draw is: some do, some don't

If your result needs a statistician then you should design a better experiment.