Henry Eyring Quotes

Powerful Henry Eyring for Daily Growth

About Henry Eyring

Henry Eyring, born on August 17, 1908, in Salt Lake City, Utah, was an influential American physical chemist renowned for his contributions to the fields of solution chemistry and kinetics. Eyring's early life was significantly influenced by his family, particularly his father, Michael A. Eyring, a prominent Mormon scholar, and his older brother, Harold C. Eyring, who also became a noted scientist. After completing his secondary education in Provo, Utah, Henry attended the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1930. In 1932, Eyring moved to Cornell University for graduate studies under the guidance of Gilbert N. Lewis. His doctoral research led to the development of the activated complex theory, a fundamental concept in transition state thermodynamics that he co-developed with Michael Polanyi and Paul Dirac. Eyring's career took a significant turn in 1941 when he joined Brigham Young University (BYU) as a professor. He would spend the rest of his professional life at BYU, making groundbreaking contributions to solution chemistry and kinetics. One of his most notable works is "The Theory of Rate Processes," published in 1955, which provides a comprehensive overview of rate processes in chemical reactions. Eyring's work extended beyond academia, as he served as an advisor to the Atomic Energy Commission and NASA during the early years of space exploration. He was also active in the Mormon Church, serving as a counselor in the church's First Presidency from 1970 until his death on June 25, 1981. Throughout his life, Henry Eyring combined deep religious faith with scientific inquiry, inspiring generations of scientists and followers alike with his innovative research and spiritual insights.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is a journey, not a destination."

This quote by Henry Eyring emphasizes that success isn't just about reaching a specific goal or achievement; it's about the process, the journey towards that end. It suggests that the growth, learning, and experiences along the way are as important as the final outcome. In essence, Eyring underscores the idea that the pursuit of success is filled with opportunities for personal development and self-realization.


"Faith is believing something you don't yet dare to fully understand."

This quote suggests that faith is the act of trusting or believing in something, even when it's not entirely clear or comprehensible. It implies a degree of uncertainty, acknowledging that our understanding may be limited, but we choose to believe nonetheless because there's a sense of hope or promise associated with it. Essentially, faith allows us to take a leap into the unknown, guided by our trust rather than our complete understanding.


"The most important decisions you make are not the easy ones."

This quote emphasizes that the most impactful choices in life are often the difficult ones, as they challenge us to grow, learn, and adapt. It's the hard decisions - the ones that demand thought, courage, and effort - that shape our character and guide us towards personal growth. The easy decisions may be comfortable, but it is the difficult choices that ultimately lead to meaningful experiences and lasting change.


"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The struggling soul becomes tougher and stronger."

This quote by Henry Eyring emphasizes that challenges and difficulties are intended to stimulate growth rather than deter it. By facing adversities, one's spirit is refined and strengthened, making them resilient and capable of overcoming even greater obstacles in the future.


"If you want to do a difficult thing, break it down into parts. Then do one part at a time."

This quote by Henry Eyring encourages a systematic approach to tackle complex tasks or challenges. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the complexity or size of a task, it suggests breaking it down into smaller, manageable parts. By focusing on each part individually, one can make steady progress towards achieving the overall goal. This strategy not only makes the daunting task more approachable but also fosters a sense of accomplishment as each part is completed, motivating further progress.


Apparent contradictions between religion and science often have been the basis of bitter controversy. Such differences are to be expected as long as human understanding remains provisional and fragmentary.

- Henry Eyring

Differences, Been, Expected, Provisional

I believe that what is really important is that God can speak to us. If we have the humility to approach him in prayer with the right attitude, he can speak to our intelligence directly.

- Henry Eyring

Humility, I Believe That, Directly

Some people conclude that the injustices existing in the world prove there is no God. On the contrary, I conclude that God, being both just and merciful, will and can rectify all inequities in a life after death.

- Henry Eyring

Death, Some, Prove, Injustices

Death is not the end; it is but one more step in a great forward march made possible by the redemption wrought by the Savior. This is the spirit of true science - constant and eternal seeking.

- Henry Eyring

Death, More, Constant, Savior

The more I try to unravel the mysteries of the world in which we live, the more I come to the conception of a single overruling power - God.

- Henry Eyring

More, Mysteries, Which, Unravel

For one who feels compelled, as I do, to accept the existence of the Master Architect, it is important to examine his handiwork for the light it throws on him and on his program for his children. For me, there has been no serious difficulty in reconciling the principles of true science with the principles of true religion.

- Henry Eyring

Been, Feels, Examine, Reconciling

I perceive myself as rather uninhibited, with a certain mathematical facility and more interest in the broad aspect of a problem than the delicate nuances. I am more interested in discovering what is over the next rise than in assiduously cultivating the beautiful garden close at hand.

- Henry Eyring

Next, Delicate, Nuances, Garden

The gospel may not make a sow's ear into a silk purse, but it will make everybody better if they live it. I've tried it. It stands the test.

- Henry Eyring

Everybody, May, Silk, Sow

God will use us for his purposes, but it takes a certain kind of listening.

- Henry Eyring

Listening, Will, His, Purposes

I would write a scientific paper with the devil, if it was on high temperatures. The fellow's probably an authority.

- Henry Eyring

High, Paper, Would, Temperatures

Our understanding, great as it sometimes seems, can be nothing but the wide-eyed wonder of the child when measured against omniscience.

- Henry Eyring

Sometimes, Nothing, Against, Measured

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