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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.

— John Herschel A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy (1831)

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More quotes by John Herschel

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 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)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Herschel (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.