Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon
A prominent naturalist who authored the monumental 'Histoire Naturelle', a 36-volume encyclopedia that influenced generations of naturalists.
Most quoted
"The first truth that results from this examination is that the Earth is a planet, a star, which has its own movement, which turns around the Sun, and which, consequently, is subject to the same laws as all the other planets."
— from Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière, 1749
"Man is the only animal that can laugh and weep; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are, and what they ought to be."
— from Attributed
"Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be."
— from Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière, 1749
All quotes by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (406)
The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.
The most beautiful of all things is the world, for it is the work of God.
The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
The most dangerous of all errors is to mistake a partial truth for the whole truth.
The most beautiful of all sentiments is that of gratitude.
The most valuable of all arts is the art of making friends.
The most powerful of all forces is love.
The most beautiful of all virtues is humility.
The most useful of all virtues is prudence.
The most difficult thing to acquire is a good reputation.
The most beautiful of all gifts is a good education.
The most powerful of all weapons is the mind.
The most beautiful of all possessions is a clear conscience.
The most useful of all talents is that of being able to adapt to circumstances.
The most difficult thing to do is to forgive.
The most beautiful of all spectacles is that of a good man in adversity.
The most powerful of all motives is self-interest.
The most beautiful of all sentiments is that of compassion.
The most useful of all knowledge is that which teaches us how to live.
The most difficult thing to learn is to unlearn.
Contemporaries of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788).