Quotes by William Herschel

About William Herschel:

Frederick William Herschel was a German-born British astronomer, composer, and brother of Caroline Herschel. Born in the Electorate of Hanover, Herschel followed his father into the Military Band of Hanover, before migrating to Great Britain in 1757 at the age of nineteen.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The difference of the degrees in which the individuals of a great community enjoy the good things of life has been a theme of declaration and discontent in all ages.

William Herschel

All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more strongly the truths come from on high, and contained in the sacred writings.

William Herschel

The undevout astronomer must be mad.

William Herschel

We see it [the as-yet unseen, probable new planet, Neptune] as Columbus saw America from the coast of Spain. Its movements have been felt, trembling along the far-reaching line of our analysis with a certainty hardly inferior to that of ocular demons...

William Herschel

The phenomena of nature, especially those that fall under the inspection of the astronomer, are to be viewed, not only with the usual attention to facts as they occur, but with the eye of reason and experience.

William Herschel

I have looked further into space than ever human being did before me. I have observed stars of which the light, it can be proved, must take two million years to reach the earth. [ .]

William Herschel

By reflecting a little on this subject I am almost convinced that those numberless small Circuses we see on the moon are the works of the Lunarians and may be called their Towns.

William Herschel

He broke through the barriers of the skies. [ ]

William Herschel

Author Bio

  • NameWilliam Herschel
  • DescriptionGerman-born British astronomer, technical expert, and composer
  • AliasesFrederick William Herschel
  • BornNovember 15, 1738
  • DiedAugust 15, 1822
  • CountryGermany; United Kingdom
  • ProfessionAstronomer; Composer; Oboist
  • AwardsFellow Of The Royal Society; Copley Medal