Benjamin Banneker quotes

Benjamin Banneker was an African-American scientist, mathematician, and inventor renowned for his work in astronomy and engineering. His almanacs and accurate astronomical calculations greatly contributed to early American science. He is remembered as a pioneering figure who overcame significant social barriers to achieve scientific excellence. Here are 8 of his quotes:

The colour of the skin is in no way connected with strength of the mind or intellectual powers.

Benjamin Banneker

Presumption should never make us neglect that which appears easy to us, nor despair make us lose courage at the sight of difficulties.

Benjamin Banneker

I am of the African race, and in the colour which is natural to them of the deepest dye; and it is under a sense of the most profound gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.

Benjamin Banneker

How pitiable is it to reflect, that although you were so fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father of Mankind, and of his equal and impartial distribution of these rights and privileges, which he hath conferred upon them, that you should at the same time counteract his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren, under groaning captivity and cruel oppression, that you should at the same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves.

Benjamin Banneker

Were there no uniforms, there would probably be no armies.

Benjamin Banneker

Standing at my door, I heard the discharge of a gun, and in four or five seconds of time, after the discharge, the small shot came rattling about me, one or two of which struck the house; which plainly demonstrates that the velocity of sound is greater than that of a cannon bullet.

Benjamin Banneker

I have no influence with the rising generation. All my arguments have failed to induce them to set bounds to their wants.

Benjamin Banneker