We cannot remember too often that when we observe nature, and especially the ordering of nature, it is always ourselves alone we are observing.

Quote by Georg C Lichtenberg

Topics: Georg C Lichtenberg Quotes

If people should ever start to do only what is necessary millions would die of...

If people should ever start to do only what is necessary millions would die of...

To receive applause for works which do not demand all our powers hinders our advance...

To receive applause for works which do not demand all our powers hinders our advance...

Once we know our weaknesses they cease to do us any harm.

Once we know our weaknesses they cease to do us any harm.

Erudition can produce foliage without bearing fruit.

Erudition can produce foliage without bearing fruit.

I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say...

I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say...

Nothing makes one old so quickly as the ever-present thought that one is growing older.

Nothing makes one old so quickly as the ever-present thought that one is growing older.

If the little bit you have is nothing special in itself, at least find a...

If the little bit you have is nothing special in itself, at least find a...

Virtue by premeditation isn't worth much.

Virtue by premeditation isn't worth much.

Nothing can contribute more to peace of soul than the lack of any opinion whatever.

Nothing can contribute more to peace of soul than the lack of any opinion whatever.

The sure conviction that we could if we wanted to is the reason so many...

The sure conviction that we could if we wanted to is the reason so many...

The most perfect ape cannot draw an ape; only man can do that; but, likewise,...

The most perfect ape cannot draw an ape; only man can do that; but, likewise,...

The American who first discovered Columbus made a bad discovery.

The American who first discovered Columbus made a bad discovery.

Just as we outgrow a pair of trousers, we outgrow acquaintances, libraries, principles, etc., at...

Just as we outgrow a pair of trousers, we outgrow acquaintances, libraries, principles, etc., at...

The most dangerous untruths are truths slightly distorted.

The most dangerous untruths are truths slightly distorted.

There is no greater impediment to progress in the sciences than the desire to see...

There is no greater impediment to progress in the sciences than the desire to see...

Sickness is mankind's greatest defect.

Sickness is mankind's greatest defect.

Perhaps in time the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own.

Perhaps in time the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own.

Just as the performance of the vilest and most wicked deeds requires spirit and talent,...

Just as the performance of the vilest and most wicked deeds requires spirit and talent,...

If all else fails, the character of a man can be recognized by nothing so...

If all else fails, the character of a man can be recognized by nothing so...

Prejudices are so to speak the mechanical instincts of men: through their prejudices they do...

Prejudices are so to speak the mechanical instincts of men: through their prejudices they do...