Auguste Comte

Sociology French 1798 – 1857 98 quotes

Considered the founder of sociology and positivism, advocating for a scientific approach to studying society.

Quotes by Auguste Comte

Live for others.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851

The positive method is the only one capable of leading to true knowledge.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The progress of humanity is inevitable.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The individual is an abstraction; the family is the true unit.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 2 1851

The scientific spirit is the only one that can truly guide society.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The proper study of mankind is man.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The heart must always be the guide of the intellect.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851

The social order is not a natural order, but a human order.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 4 1838

The only way to improve society is to improve individuals.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851

The true foundation of morality is altruism.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851

The positive philosophy is the only one that can reconcile science and religion.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The human mind is naturally inclined to generalize.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The scientific method is applicable to all phenomena, including social phenomena.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 4 1838

The ultimate goal of all human effort is the improvement of humanity.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851

The true statesman is a sociologist.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 4 1838

The positive spirit is characterized by its rejection of all absolute principles.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The only true liberty is the liberty to do what is right.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851

The true measure of a society is its treatment of its weakest members.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851

The scientific spirit is the spirit of humility.

Course of Positive Philosophy, Vol. 1 1830

The true progress of humanity is moral progress.

System of Positive Polity, Vol. 1 1851