necessity is the mother of invention, and when you think all is lost, something will be discovered which will retrieve everything.
 Alexandre Dumas, The Vicomte of Bragelonne (1847). copy citation

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Author Alexandre Dumas
Source The Vicomte of Bragelonne
Topic invention necessity
Date 1847
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2681/2681-h/2681-h.htm

Context

“when I was young I wrestled successfully with the Cardinal Richelieu, who was king of France,—nay more—cardinal.” “Where are my armies, my troops, my treasures? I have not even Belle-Isle.” “Bah! necessity is the mother of invention, and when you think all is lost, something will be discovered which will retrieve everything.” “Who will discover this wonderful something?” “Yourself.” “I! I resign my office of inventor.” “Then I will.” “Be it so. But set to work without delay.” “Oh! we have time enough!” “You kill me, D’Herblay, with your calmness,”” source