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Portrait of Charles Kettering

Charles Kettering

(1876–1958) Engineer

102 quotes in 420 categories

Charles Kettering describes research as a way to move on when current methods fail. He says keeping an open mind creates new ventures and that progress often comes from things that don’t work as expected. He also views education as moving from certainty to thoughtful uncertainty.

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Charles Kettering was an engineer, best known for The new necessity.

Quick Facts About Charles Kettering

Born
August 29, 1876
Died
November 25, 1958
Profession
Engineer
Notable works
The new necessity

About Charles Kettering

He founded the company Delco and led General Motors’ research department from 1920 to 1947. With DuPont he helped invent Freon refrigerant for cooling and air‑conditioning, and he developed Duco lacquers and enamels, the first practical colored paints for mass‑produced cars. He also created the 'Bug' aerial torpedo, called the world’s first aerial missile, and advanced lightweight two‑stroke diesel engines used in locomotives and heavy equipment. In 1927 he started the Kettering Foundation, and his portrait appeared on the cover of Time magazine in January 1933.

Quotes by Charles Kettering

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