Accustomed to trace the operation of general causes, and the exemplification of general laws, in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceives neither novelty nor beauty, he walks in the midst of wonders.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Those who understand general laws see beauty and wonder where others see nothing.
- In plain terms
- Knowing the laws of nature makes everything seem wonderful.
- What can you take from it?
- Learn the laws to see the wonder.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does knowledge enhance your wonder?
- Where do you see beauty?
Another view
Not everyone finds beauty in scientific laws.
More from John Herschel
To the natural philosopher there is no natural object unimportant or trifling.
Permalink to quote #3 We must never forget that it is principles not phenomena,-laws, not insulated, independent facts, which are the object and the inquiry of the natural philosoph…
Permalink to quote #5 Man is constituted as a speculative being; he contemplates the world, and the objects around him, not with a passive indifferent eye, but as a system disposed …
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
The world and the universe is an extremely beautiful place, and the more we understand about it the more beautiful does it appear. It is an immensely exciting …
Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins quote #118 I am on the edge of mysteries and the veil is getting thinner and thinner.
Louis PasteurLouis Pasteur quote #1 There is nothing more practical than a good theory.
Leonid BrezhnevLeonid Brezhnev quote #1