I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast. I wanted to know where it got its color, where it got its life – but there was no one to tell me.

Meaning of the quote

George Washington Carver, a famous American scientist, was really curious about the natural world around him. He wanted to learn the names of all the different plants, animals, bugs, and even rocks. He also wanted to know how they got their colors and where their life came from, but he didn't have anyone to teach him these things. Carver was a passionate learner who was always eager to understand the world better.

About George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was an American agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted alternative crops and methods to prevent soil depletion. He was a prominent Black scientist in the early 20th century, known for his work at the Tuskegee Institute and his efforts to improve the lives of farmers through practical bulletins and advice.

More about the author

More quotes from George Washington Carver

Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Where there is no vision, there is no hope.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Our creator is the same and never changes despite the names given Him by people here and in all parts of the world. Even if we gave Him no name at all, He would still be there, within us, waiting to give us good on this earth.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Fear of something is at the root of hate for others, and hate within will eventually destroy the hater.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

There is no short cut to achievement. Life requires thorough preparation – veneer isn’t worth anything.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving something behind.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

If you love it enough, anything will talk with you.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Learn to do common things uncommonly well; we must always keep in mind that anything that helps fill the dinner pail is valuable.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast. I wanted to know where it got its color, where it got its life – but there was no one to tell me.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

When our thoughts – which bring actions – are filled with hate against anyone, Negro or white, we are in a living hell. That is as real as hell will ever be.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Since new developments are the products of a creative mind, we must therefore stimulate and encourage that type of mind in every way possible.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)

Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.

George Washington Carver

African American botanist and inventor (1864-1943)