When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become.

Meaning of the quote

When a child is around, they make you feel two important things. First, you feel care and kindness towards who they are right now. And second, you feel respect for the person they might become in the future. This quote from the famous French scientist Louis Pasteur shows how children can inspire both gentle feelings and hopeful anticipation in adults.

About Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur was a renowned French scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization. His research laid the foundations of modern medicine, and he is considered one of the founders of bacteriology and microbiology. Pasteur’s contributions have saved millions of lives through the development of vaccines for rabies and anthrax.

More about the author

More quotes from Louis Pasteur

When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world. Science is the highest personification of the nation because that nation will remain the first which carries the furthest the works of thought and intelligence.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

In the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

Did you ever observe to whom the accidents happen? Chance favors only the prepared mind.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

The universe is asymmetric and I am persuaded that life, as it is known to us, is a direct result of the asymmetry of the universe or of its indirect consequences. The universe is asymmetric.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

It is surmounting difficulties that makes heroes.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

There are no such things as applied sciences, only applications of science.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

Do not let yourself be tainted with a barren skepticism.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

There does not exist a category of science to which one can give the name applied science. There are science and the applications of science, bound together as the fruit of the tree which bears it.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

Chance favors the prepared mind.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

Where observation is concerned, chance favors only the prepared mind.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)

Fortune favors the prepared mind.

Louis Pasteur

French chemist and microbiologist (1822-1895)