Pierre-Simon Laplace

Mathematics French 1749 – 1827 281 quotes

Newton of France, transformed probability and celestial mechanics

Quotes by Pierre-Simon Laplace

The laws of nature are the expression of the divine will.

Attributed

The progress of science is the progress of humanity.

Attributed

The universe is a book written in the language of mathematics.

Attributed

The study of mathematics is the best preparation for the study of philosophy.

Attributed

The human mind is capable of discovering the most profound truths.

Attributed

The laws of nature are the foundation of all knowledge.

Attributed

The progress of science is the triumph of reason.

Attributed

The universe is a masterpiece of divine wisdom.

Attributed

The study of nature is the noblest of all pursuits.

Attributed

The human mind is capable of comprehending the infinite.

Attributed

The laws of nature are the immutable decrees of the Creator.

Attributed

The progress of science is the advancement of civilization.

Attributed

The universe is a harmonious system, governed by precise laws.

Attributed

The study of mathematics is the key to understanding the universe.

Attributed

The human mind is capable of penetrating the deepest mysteries of nature.

Attributed

I have no need of that hypothesis.

Laplace's response to Napoleon's question about God's role in the universe, as recounted by Laplace himself. 1812

We are so far from knowing all the forces of nature and the various modes in which they act, that it would be unworthy of a philosopher to deny phenomena only because they are inexplicable in the present state of our knowledge.

Essai philosophique sur les probabilités

It is an important question in the theory of probabilities to determine the probability that the sun will rise tomorrow, given that it has risen every day for the past five thousand years.

Essai philosophique sur les probabilités

We may regard the present state of the universe as the effect of its antecedent state and as the cause of the state that is to follow.

Essai philosophique sur les probabilités 1814

The more profound the thought, the more simple the expression.

General quote attributed to Laplace