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 am undecided whether or not the Milky Way is but one of countless others all of which form an entire system. Perhaps the light from these infinitely distant galaxies is so faint that we cannot see them. (Johann Heinrich Lambert)
I understood that the will could not be improved before the mind had been enlightened. View quote
Johann Heinrich Lambert
The first object of my endeavours was the means to become perfect and happy. View quote
Johann Heinrich Lambert
I bought some books in order to learn the first principles of philosophy. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
Johann Heinrich Lambert
We will next proceed by the lamp of experience, consulting with care the observations deposited in the records of astronomy. View quote
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? View quote
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. View quote
Johann Heinrich Lambert
In order to supply the defects of experience, we will have recourse to the probable conjectures of analogy, conclusions which we will bequeath to our posterity to be ascertained by new observations, which, if we augur rightly, will serve to establish our theory and to carry it gradually nearer to absolute certainty. (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. View quote
Johann Heinrich Lambert