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Charles F. Kettering

(29 Aug 1876 - 25 Nov 1958)

American engineer whose 140 patents included the electric starter, car lighting and ignition systems.

Short biography of Charles F. Kettering >>

A problem well stated is a problem half-solved.

— Charles F. Kettering

Science quotes on: | Problem (731) | Solution (282)

A research problem is not solved by apparatus; it is solved in a man's head.

— Charles F. Kettering

Science quotes on: | Apparatus (70) | Man (2252) | Problem (731) | Research (753)

Problems are the price of progress. Don’t bring me anything but trouble. Good news weakens me.

— Charles F. Kettering

The only difference between a problem and a solution is that people understand the solution.

— Charles F. Kettering

When I was research head of General Motors and wanted a problem solved, I’d place a table outside the meeting room with a sign: “Leave slide rules here.” If I didn’t do that, I'd find someone reaching for his slide rule. Then he’d be on his feet saying, “Boss, you can’t do it.”

— Charles F. Kettering

In Jacob Morton Braude, Speaker's Desk Book of Quips, Quotes, & Anecdotes (1966), 323.

See also:

29 Aug - short biography, births, deaths and events on date of Kettering's birth.
Short Stories of Science and Invention - Index to A Collection of Radio Talks by Charles F. Kettering
Charles Franklin Kettering: A Biography, by T. A. Boyd. - book suggestion.

In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion. (1987) -- Carl Sagan

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