Everything is relative; and only that is absolute. Auguste Comte More Quotes by Auguste Comte More Quotes From Auguste Comte C'este donc par l'étude des mathématiques, et seulement par elle, que l'on peut se faire une idée juste et approfondie de ce que c'est qu'une science. Auguste Comte mathscience The dead govern the living. Auguste Comte tradition In mathematics we find the primitive source of rationality; and to mathematics must the biologists resort for means to carry out their researches. Auguste Comte mathematicsresearchmean Mathematical Analysis is... the true rational basis of the whole system of our positive knowledge. Auguste Comte mathematicalrationalanalysis Every attempt to employ mathematical methods in the study of chemical questions must be considered profoundly irrational and contrary to the spirit of chemistry.... if mathematical analysis should ever hold a prominent place in chemistry -- an aberration which is happily almost impossible -- it would occasion a rapid and widespread degeneration of that science. Auguste Comte aberrationanalysisspirit The mathematical thermology created by Fourier may tempt us to hope that, as he has estimated the temperature of the space in which we move, me may in time ascertain the mean temperature of the heavenly bodies: but I regard this order of facts as for ever excluded from our recognition. We can never learn their internal constitution, nor, in regard to some of them, how heat is absorbed by their atmosphere. We may therefore define Astronomy as the science by which we discover the laws of the geometrical and mechanical phenomena presented by the heavenly bodies. Auguste Comte ordermeanmoving The universe displays no proof of an all-directing mind. Auguste Comte proofatheismmind Language forms a kind of wealth, which all can make use of at once without causing any diminution of the store, and which thus admits a complete community of enjoyment; for all, freely participating in the general treasure, unconsciously aid in its preservation. Auguste Comte treasurecommunityuse In the final, the positive, state, the mind has given over the vain search after absolute notions, the origin and destination of the universe, and the causes of phenomena, and applies itself to the study of their laws - that is, their invariable relations of succession and resemblance. Reasoning and observation, duly combined, are the means of this knowledge. What is now understood when we speak of an explanation of facts is simply the establishment of a connection between single phenomena and some general facts. Auguste Comte sciencemeanknowledge nd now that man's history has been for the first time systematically considered as a whole, and has been found to be, like all other phenomena, subject to invariable laws, the preparatory labours of modern Science are ended. Auguste Comte lawhistoryfirsts After Montesquieu, the next great addition to Sociology (which is the term I may be allowed to invent to designate Social Physics) was made by Condorcet, proceeding on the views suggested by his illustrious friend Turgot. Auguste Comte nextviewsmay Men are not allowed to think freely about chemistry and biology: why should they be allowed to think freely about political philosophy? Auguste Comte menphilosophythinking The word right should be excluded from political language, as the word cause from the language of philosophy. Auguste Comte political-languagecausesphilosophy Monotheism occupies so large a space in the view of modern minds, that it is scarcely possible to form a just estimate of the preceding phases of the theological philosophy. Auguste Comte spaceviewsphilosophy The heavens declare the glory of Kepler and Newton. Auguste Comte kepleratheismheaven Indeed, every true science has for its object the determination of certain phenomena by means of others, in accordance with the relations which exist between them. Auguste Comte trueothersdeterminationscience Demography is destiny. Auguste Comte destiny
