Colin Maclaurin quotes

“It is not therefore the business of philosophy, in our present situation in the universe, to attempt to take in at once, in one view, the whole scheme of nature; but to extend, with great care and circumspection, our knowledge, by just steps, from sensible things, as far as our observations or reasonings from them will carry us, in our enquiries concerning either the greater motions and operations of nature, or her more subtile and hidden works. In this way Sir Isaac Newton proceeded in his discoveries.”
-- Colin Maclaurin

Source : Colin Maclaurin (1750). “An Account of Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophical Discoveries. 2. Ed”, p.20

#Philosophy Quotes #Discovery Quotes #Views Quotes

“ALGEBRA is a general Method of Computation by certain Signs and Symbols which have been contrived for this Purpose, and found convenient.”
-- Colin Maclaurin

Source : Colin MacLaurin (1756). “A Treatise of Algebra, in Three Parts: Containing I. The Fundamental Rules and Operations; II. The Composition and Resolution of Equations of All Degrees, and the Different Affections of Their Roots; III. The Application of Algebra and Geometry to Each Other. To which is Added an Appendix Concerning the General Properties of Geometrical Lines”, p.1

#Purpose Quotes #Ontology Quotes #Logic Quotes

“[writing to Stirling in 1740] ... an unlucky accident happened to some of the French mathematicians in Peru. It seems that they were shewing French gallantry to the natives' wives, who have murdered their servants destroyed their instruments and burnt their papers, the Gentlemen escaping narrowly themselves. What an ugly article this will make in a journal.”
-- Colin Maclaurin

#Writing Quotes #Escaping Quotes #Wife Quotes

“To be nonviolent to human beings and to be a killer or enemy of the poor animals is Satan's philosophy. In this age there is always enmity against poor animals, and therefore the poor creatures are always anxious. The reaction of the poor animals is being forced on human society, and therefore there is always strain of cold or hot war between men, individually, collectively or nationally.”

“The traditional disputes of philosophers are, for the most part, as unwarranted as they are unfruitful. The surest way to end them is to establish beyond question what should be the purpose and method of a philosophical enquiry. And this is by no means so difficult a task as the history of philosophy would lead one to suppose. For if there are any questions which science leaves it to philosophy to answer, a straightforward process of elimination must lead to their discovery.”

“Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide.”

Source : Song: Tell It Like It is, Album: The Very Best of Aaron Neville, 2006

“Somewhere in my head, a private conviction exists that 'Search is the Process' and 'Discovery the Art Form.”

“It is essential for me to become involved in another search, and 'search' is the proper word to use because it promises discovery along with the risk.”

“For a justice of this ultimate tribunal [the U.S. Supreme Court], the opportunity for self-discovery and the occasion for self-revelation is great.”

“The loss of illusions and the discovery of identity, though painful at first, can be ultimately exhilarating and strengthening.”

“True self-discovery begins where your comfort zone ends.”

Source : Adam Braun (2015). “The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change”, p.20, Simon and Schuster

“Convergence of our views on global trade issues under the WTO and our common resolve to combat terrorism provide a valuable base for mutual understanding.”

“Upon the subject of education ... I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.”