Our observation of nature must be diligent, our reflection profound, and our experiments exact. We rarely see these three means combined; and for this reason, creative geniuses are not common.

Quote by Denis Diderot

Topics: Genius Quotes, Nature Quotes, Solitude Quotes

Sentences are like sharp nails, which force truth upon our memories.

Sentences are like sharp nails, which force truth upon our memories.

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

In order to shake a hypothesis, it is sometimes not necessary to do anything more...

In order to shake a hypothesis, it is sometimes not necessary to do anything more...

Although a man may wear fine clothing, if he lives peacefully; and is good, self-possessed,...

Although a man may wear fine clothing, if he lives peacefully; and is good, self-possessed,...

Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.

Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.

I can be expected to look for truth but not to find it

I can be expected to look for truth but not to find it

There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation...

There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation...

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that...

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that...

To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble...

To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble...

When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human...

When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human...

The best doctor is the one you run to and can't find.

The best doctor is the one you run to and can't find.

You have to make it happen.

You have to make it happen.

The pit of a theatre is the one place where the tears of virtuous and...

The pit of a theatre is the one place where the tears of virtuous and...

One declaims endlessly against the passions; one imputes all of man's suffering to them. One...

One declaims endlessly against the passions; one imputes all of man's suffering to them. One...

Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths...

Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths...

It is very important not to mistake hemlock for parsley, but to believe or not...

It is very important not to mistake hemlock for parsley, but to believe or not...

If you want me to believe in God, you must make me touch him.

If you want me to believe in God, you must make me touch him.

It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is...

It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is...

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.

Evil always turns up in this world through some genius or other.

Evil always turns up in this world through some genius or other.