Classic Quotes by Luther Burbank

1849-1926

American Horticulturist

Do not feed children on maudlin sentimentalism or dogmatic religion; give them nature.

Heredity is nothing but stored environment.

I see humanity now as one vast plant, needing for its highest fulfillment only love, the natural blessings of the great outdoors, and intelligent crossing
and selection. In the span of my own lifetime I observed such wondrous progress in plant evolution that I look forward optimistically to a healthy, happy
world as soon as its children are taught the principles of simple and rational living. We must return to nature and nature’s god.

Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.

The secret of improved plant breeding, apart from scientific knowledge, is love.

The scientist is a lover of truth for the very love of truth itself, wherever it may lead.

If we had paid no more attention to our plants than we have to our children, we would now be living in a jungle of weed.

Nature’s law affirm instead of prohibit. If you violate her laws, you are your own prosecuting attorney, judge, jury, and hangman.