Robert Boyle

Father of modern chemistry

Early Modern influential 100 sayings

Sayings by Robert Boyle

I have often observed that those who are most confident in their own opinions, are generally the least able to defend them.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always looked upon the study of nature as a means of glorifying God, and of promoting the welfare of mankind.

1690 — From 'The Christian Virtuoso'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often thought that the greatest wisdom consists in knowing our own ignorance.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been of the opinion, that the best way to arrive at truth, is to proceed by way of experiment and observation.

1661 — From 'The Sceptical Chymist'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often observed that those who are most fond of disputing, are generally the least desirous of being convinced.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always looked upon the study of nature as a delightful and profitable employment.

1690 — From 'The Christian Virtuoso'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often thought that the greatest folly is to be wise in our own conceit.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been of the opinion, that the best way to discover the secrets of nature, is to interrogate her by experiments.

1661 — From 'The Sceptical Chymist'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often observed that those who are most eager to gain applause, are generally the least deserving of it.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always looked upon the study of nature as a source of innocent and rational pleasure.

1690 — From 'The Christian Virtuoso'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often thought that the greatest ornament of a man is modesty.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been of the opinion, that the best way to avoid errors, is to be diffident of our own judgments.

1661 — From 'The Sceptical Chymist'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often observed that those who are most desirous of learning, are generally the most humble.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always looked upon the study of nature as a means of enlarging the human mind.

1690 — From 'The Christian Virtuoso'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often thought that the greatest beauty is that of the mind.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been of the opinion, that the best way to promote knowledge, is to communicate our discoveries to others.

1661 — From 'The Sceptical Chymist'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often observed that those who are most unwilling to acknowledge their errors, are generally the most in the wrong.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always looked upon the study of nature as a means of improving our understanding.

1690 — From 'The Christian Virtuoso'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have often thought that the greatest riches are those of the mind.

1665 — From 'Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been of the opinion, that the best way to discover new truths, is to be constantly trying new experiments.

1661 — From 'The Sceptical Chymist'
Humorous Unverifiable