Crash programs fail because they are based on theory that, with nine women pregnant, you can get a baby in a month.
Wernher Von BraunRead
The greatest gain from space travel consists in the extension of our knowledge. In a hundred years this newly won knowledge will pay huge and unexpected dividends.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Space travel enhances our understanding of the universe, leading to future benefits.
Wernher Von Braun emphasizes that the primary benefit of space travel is the expansion of human knowledge. He predicts that this knowledge, although it may not provide immediate rewards, will yield significant and surprising benefits for humanity in the future, highlighting the long-term value of scientific exploration and discovery.
Themes
Space TravelKnowledgeScienceDiscoveryFuture Benefits
In practice
Example use cases
During a keynote speech about innovation, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of scientific exploration.
More from Wernher Von Braun
All quotes βI find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science.
Wernher Von BraunRead
Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing.
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I have learned to use the word 'impossible' with the greatest caution.
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It will free man from the remaining chains, the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet.
Wernher Von BraunRead
We can lick gravity, but sometimes the paperwork is overwhelming.
Wernher Von BraunRead
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