A powerful attraction exists, therefore, to the promotion of a study and of duties of all others engrossing the time most completely, and which is less benefited than most others by any acquaintance with science.
- Charles Babbage Quote

Another mode of accumulating power arises from lifting a weight and then allowing it to fall.
- Charles Babbage Quote

In England, the profession of the law is that which seems to hold out the strongest attraction to talent, from the circumstance, that in it ability, coupled with exertion, even though unaided by patronage, cannot fail of obtaining reward.
- Charles Babbage Quote

In mathematics we have long since drawn the rein, and given over a hopeless race.
- Charles Babbage Quote

In turning from the smaller instruments in frequent use to the larger and more important machines, the economy arising from the increase of velocity becomes more striking.
- Charles Babbage Quote

On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.
- Charles Babbage Quote

Perhaps it would be better for science, that all criticism should be avowed.
- Charles Babbage Quote

Telegraphs are machines for conveying information over extensive lines with great rapidity.
- Charles Babbage Quote

That science has long been neglected and declining in England, is not an opinion originating with me, but is shared by many, and has been expressed by higher authority than mine.
- Charles Babbage Quote

That the state of knowledge in any country will exert a directive influence on the general system of instruction adopted in it, is a principle too obvious to require investigation.
- Charles Babbage Quote

The difference between a tool and a machine is not capable of very precise distinction; nor is it necessary, in a popular explanation of those terms, to limit very strictly their acceptation.
- Charles Babbage Quote

The half minute which we daily devote to the winding-up of our watches is an exertion of labour almost insensible; yet, by the aid of a few wheels, its effect is spread over the whole twenty-four hours.
- Charles Babbage Quote

The possessors of wealth can scarcely be indifferent to processes which, nearly or remotely have been the fertile source of their possessions.
- Charles Babbage Quote

The proportion between the velocity with which men or animals move, and the weights they carry, is a matter of considerable importance, particularly in military affairs.
- Charles Babbage Quote

There is, however, another purpose to which academies contribute. When they consist of a limited number of persons, eminent for their knowledge, it becomes an object of ambition to be admitted on their list.
- Charles Babbage Quote

Those from whose pocket the salary is drawn, and by whose appointment the officer was made, have always a right to discuss the merits of their officers, and their modes of exercising the duties they are paid to perform.
- Charles Babbage Quote

Whenever the work is itself light, it becomes necessary, in order to economize time, to increase the velocity.
- Charles Babbage Quote