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)
Nature is a great teacher, who never deceives us.
The true glory is to do good, and to leave a good name behind us.
The earth is a vast cemetery, where generations succeed generations.
The most valuable possession is a good conscience.
Nature is a great physician, who cures all diseases.
The true eloquence is that which persuades without convincing.
The earth is a great clock, which measures time by its revolutions.
The most beautiful monument is that which is erected in the hearts of men.
Nature is a great economist, who wastes nothing.
The true greatness is to be above the praise and blame of men.
The earth is a great garden, where every plant has its place.
Le style est l'homme même.
La nature est le seul dictionnaire des arts.
L'ingénuité est le charme de la jeunesse.
Le génie n'est qu'une grande aptitude à la patience.
La terre est bien plus ancienne que les hommes ne l'ont supposé.
Tout est dans la nature, et rien n'est au-delà.
L'observation est la mère de toutes les sciences.
La beauté n'est que la promesse du bonheur.
Les animaux sont nos égaux dans la souffrance.
Contemporaries of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788).