J. Willard Gibbs famous quotes

A mathematician may say anything he pleases, but a physicist must be at least partially sane.
-- J. Willard Gibbs

#Truth #Say Anything #May

One of the principal objects of theoretical research in my department of knowledge is to find the point of view from which the subject appears in its greatest simplicity.
-- J. Willard Gibbs

#Knowledge #Views #Simplicity

Mathematics is a language
-- J. Willard Gibbs

#Statistics #Language #Mathematics

The laws of thermodynamics, as empirically determined, express the approximate and probable behavior of systems of a great number of particles, or, more precisely, they express the laws of mechanics for such systems as they appear to beings who have not the fineness of perception to enable them to appreciate quantities of the order of magnitude of those which relate to single particles, and who cannot repeat their experiments often enough to obtain any but the most probable results.
-- J. Willard Gibbs

#Order #Law #Numbers

We avoid the gravest difficulties when, giving up the attempt to frame hypotheses concerning the constitution of matter, we pursue statistical inquiries as a branch of rational mechanics.
-- J. Willard Gibbs

#Giving Up #Inquiry #Branches

Every one disguising the truth from a man who has a right to the truth is wrong, and ought not to be encouraged.

The trouble with too many people is they believe the realm of truth always lies within their vision.

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.

It is not truth that matters, but victory.

If you can't say anything good about someone, sit right here by me.

Don't say anything. Just act cool," I whispered. Mavkel started to shiver. "Like this?" it asked. "No, I mean act calm." Mavkel stopped shivering.

I don't know what goes on behind my back... I always feel like, if you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything.

I don't go by what the law say. The law's liable to say anything. I go by if it's right or not. It don't matter what the law say. I take and look at it for myself.

Warning: we may become so enamored with God's good gifts that we fail to worship the Giver.

Joy and growth come from following our deepest impulses, however foolish they may seem to some, or dangerous, and even though the apparent outcome may be defeat.