Carl Linnaeus

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

Often attributed to Linnaeus, though its origin is debated and likely not directly from his published works, it reflects a philosophical inquiry into perception and reality.

The first step in wisdom is to know the things themselves; this notion consists in having a true idea of the objects; objects are distinguished and known by classifying them methodically and giving them appropriate names.

Philosophia Botanica 1751

All the species of one genus are so many children of one mother.

Philosophia Botanica

I have seen the Lord in His works, and I have seen His works in the Lord.

Often quoted, reflecting his theological perspective on nature

The stone that is rolling gathers no moss.

Often attributed, reflecting a common proverb

Systema Naturae.

Title of his most famous work 1735

Omnia miranda, sed nihil mirabilius quam homo.

Often attributed, meaning 'All things are wonderful, but nothing more wonderful than man.'

Nomen est omen.

Often attributed, meaning 'The name is a sign.'

Methodus est anima scientiae.

Philosophia Botanica

The species are the work of the Creator, the genera are the work of the botanist.

Often attributed, summarizing his view on species and genera

The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

Biblical quote, often used by Linnaeus to express his reverence for nature

Nature does not make leaps.

Philosophia Botanica (translation of Natura non facit saltus)

The world is a museum of God's works.

General sentiment in his writings

Order and arrangement are the soul of science.

Philosophia Botanica (translation of Methodus est anima scientiae)

To live without a purpose is to die without a purpose.

Often attributed, reflecting a philosophical outlook

The true method of natural history is to distinguish, to name, and to describe.

Philosophia Botanica

Every species is a link in the great chain of being.

Often attributed, reflecting the concept of the 'scala naturae'

The greatest pleasure of a botanist is to discover a new plant.

Often attributed, reflecting his passion for discovery

Man is the measure of all things.

A classical philosophical statement, sometimes echoed in his anthropocentric views of classification

The knowledge of plants is the knowledge of life.

General sentiment in his botanical works

Quotes by Carl Linnaeus