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I wanted to invent an engine that could run for ever. I could have developed a new train, had I stayed in the railway. It would have looked like the AK-47 though.

Mikhail Kalashnikov

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Mikhail Kalashnikov
Age: 94 †
Born: 1919
Born: November 10
Died: 2013
Died: December 23
Design Engineer
Engineer
Inventor
Military Personnel
Politician
Tankman
Writer
Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov
Running
Engine
Ever
Stayed
Wanted
Invent
Would
Engines
Like
Developed
Train
Looked
Though
Railway

More quotes by Mikhail Kalashnikov

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Things that are complex are not useful, Things that are useful are simple.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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Before attempting to create something new, it is vital to have a good appreciation of everything that already exists in this field.
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When a young man, I read somewhere the following: God the Almighty said, 'All that is too complex is unnecessary, and it is simple that is needed.' So this has been my lifetime motto – I have been creating weapons to defend the borders of my fatherland, to be simple and reliable.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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Life is composed of different inventions.
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I've always wanted to improve and expand on the good name of my weapon by doing good things.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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I have continued to work at different things, and rebuilt my home all by myself. I did it for the sake of satisfaction at doing something. I did it because I happened to be where I was.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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The fact that people die because of an AK-47 is not because of the designer, but because of politics.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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It is the Germans who are responsible for the fact that I became a fabricator of arms. If not for them, I would have constructed agricultural machines.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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I was trying to perform as best as possible. I was a boy at the time, but worked well with the sickle.
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I had to gain experience as I did not have a technical education.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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I sleep well. It's the politicians who are to blame for failing to come to an agreement and resorting to violence.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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Life can make you do many things, even kiss a man with a runny nose.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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My work is my life, and my life is my work. I invented this assault rifle to defend my country. Today, I am proud that it has become for many synonymous with liberty.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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I would prefer to have invented a machine that people could use and that would help farmers with their work - for example a lawnmower.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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I was probably born with some designing abilities.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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It is painful for me to see when criminal elements of all kinds fire from my weapon.
Mikhail Kalashnikov
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Terrorists also want to use simple and reliable arms.
Mikhail Kalashnikov