Pierre-Simon Laplace

Mathematics French 1749 – 1827 281 quotes

Newton of France, transformed probability and celestial mechanics

Quotes by Pierre-Simon Laplace

The curve of a planet's orbit is a consequence of the law of universal gravitation.

Mécanique Céleste 1799

The probability of an event is the ratio of the number of cases favorable to it, to the number of all possible cases, when all these cases are equally possible.

A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities 1814

Nature is uniform in its laws, and these laws are simple.

Attributed

The regularity of the movements of the planets, the stability of their orbits, and the harmony that reigns in the celestial system, are the most striking proofs of the wisdom and power of the Creator.

Exposition du système du monde 1796

It is by the study of the particular that we arrive at the general.

Attributed

The more we study the laws of nature, the more we are convinced that everything is determined by them.

Attributed

The calculus of probabilities is a science which, by its nature, is destined to enlighten the most obscure parts of philosophy.

A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities 1814

The knowledge of the laws of nature is the only true philosophy.

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The human mind, in its progress, has always been guided by the desire to discover the causes of phenomena.

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The simplicity of the laws of nature is a proof of their truth.

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The universe is a vast machine, the parts of which are all connected.

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The theory of probabilities is nothing more than good sense reduced to calculation.

A Philosophical Essay on Probabilities 1814

The laws of nature are the thoughts of God.

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The true method of philosophy is to begin by observing facts, and then to generalize them by induction.

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The human mind is capable of discovering the most hidden truths of nature.

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The progress of science is due to the efforts of individuals.

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The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.

Attributed (often misattributed to Einstein)

The universe is governed by laws which are immutable and eternal.

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The study of nature is the most sublime of all studies.

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The human mind is capable of understanding the most complex phenomena.

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