11 quotes
Science is the knowledge of many, orderly and methodically digested and arranged, so as to become attainable by one.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)
Self-respect is the cornerstone of all virtue.
A Toolbox for Humanity : More Than 9000 Years of Thought (2004)
In whatever state of knowledge we may conceive man to be placed, his progress towards a yet higher state need never fear a check, but must continue till the last existence of society.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)
We must never forget that it is principles, not phenomena, — laws not insulated independent facts, — which are the objects of inquiry to the natural philosopher.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)
To the natural philosopher there is no natural object unimportant or trifling. From the least of nature's works he may learn the greatest lessons.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)
To ascend to the origin of things and speculate on the creation, is not the business of the natural philosopher.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)
Man is constituted as a speculative being; he contemplates the world, and the objects around him, not with a passive indifferent eye, but as a system disposed with order and design.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)
A mind which has once imbibed a taste for scientific inquiry, and has learnt the habit of applying its principles readily to the cases which occur, has within itself an inexhaustible source of pure and exciting contemplations.
A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)
What God sends is welcome.
So long as "one star differs from another in glory," — so long as there shall exist varieties, or even incompatibilities of excellence, — so long will the admiration of mankind be found sufficient for all who merit it.
On the Theory of Light (1828)
God knows how ardently I wish I had ten lives