Johann Heinrich Lambert quotes

Johann Heinrich Lambert was a German mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, renowned for several foundational discoveries in mathematics and science. His work included important contributions to the fields of geometry, trigonometry, and the theory of light. He is especially remembered for proving that π (pi) is irrational and for his influential advancements in map projections. Here are 12 of his quotes:

I understood that the will could not be improved before the mind had been enlightened.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

The first object of my endeavours was the means to become perfect and happy.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

I bought some books in order to learn the first principles of philosophy.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

We would wish to discover the Plan of the Universe, and the means employed by the Eternal Architect in the execution of his magnificent design. We will first contemplate the System of which we make a part, and of which our Sun is the center. Thence we will ascend towards those Suns and those innumerable Worlds which are scattered through the immensity of space.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

We will found our hypothesis in the general laws of motion, whose effects are every where the same, and whose influence extends to the utmost limits of matter.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

If in two ellipses having a common major axis we take two such arcs that their chords are equal, and that also the sums of the radii vectores, drawn respectively from the foci to the extremities of these arcs, are equal to each other, then the sectors formed in each ellipse by the arc and the two radii vectores are to each other as the square roots of the parameters of the ellipses.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

We will next proceed by the lamp of experience, consulting with care the observations deposited in the records of astronomy.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

But, are the faculties of our nature equal to this? and what are the principles which ought to guide us in these researches?

Johann Heinrich Lambert

This is all to which weak and limited beings can pretend, beings who occupy a point, and last but a moment in this mighty edifice built for eternity.

Johann Heinrich Lambert

We suppose the existence of a wise and beneficent Being who presided over the formation of the World, and who is pleased to display his infinite perfections on this illustrious theatre.

Johann Heinrich Lambert