Great Throughts Treasury

This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.

David Sarnoff

Belarusian-born American Radio and TV Business Executive, Chairman of RCA

"The thesis that there is an inherent conflict between science and our immortal souls is simply untrue."

"Virtue does not of necessity go hand in hand with primitive plumbing, and nobility can be found in a skyscraper no less than in a log cabin."

"Whatever course you have chosen for yourself, it will not be a chore but an adventure if you bring to it a sense of the glory of striving - if your sights are set far above the merely secure and mediocre."

"We cannot banish dangers, but we can banish fears. We must not demean life by standing in awe of death."

"Don't be misled into believing that somehow the world owes you a living."

"A life that hasn't a definite plan is likely to become driftwood."

"Knowledge is not enough, unless it leads you to understanding, and, in turn, to wisdom."

"The final test of science is not whether it adds to our comfort, knowledge and power, but whether it adds to our dignity as men, our sense of truth."

"Education worthy of its name is not merely an intellectual process. It is no less a spiritual process. Its purpose is not only to pile up knowledge and skills but to ennoble man's soul."

"Work and live to serve others, to leave the world a little better than you found it and garner for yourself as much peace of mind as you can. This is happiness."