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 animal kingdom is a vast chain, in which every link is connected.
The most beautiful discovery is that of truth.
The earth is a monument of time.
The greatest art is to conceal art.
The study of nature is the study of God.
The true eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing more.
Nature is a perpetual motion.
The most useful knowledge is that which teaches us to live well.
The earth is a theater, where every creature plays its part.
The true genius is he who knows how to simplify.
The history of man is the history of his errors.
The most beautiful ornament of a man is his virtue.
Nature is a great artist, who never repeats herself.
The true courage is to be afraid, and to do one's duty nevertheless.
The earth is a vast laboratory, where nature performs her experiments.
The most dangerous error is to believe that there is only one truth.
The animal is a machine, but a living machine.
The true happiness is to be content with one's lot.
The earth is a book, which we must learn to read.
The most beautiful spectacle is that of a virtuous man struggling with adversity.
Contemporaries of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788).