Absurd Quote by Christiaan Huygens
“I esteem his understanding and subtlety highly, but I consider that they have been put to ill use in the greater part of his work, where the author studies things of little use or when he builds on the improbable principle of attraction. Writing about Newton's Principia. Huygens had some time earlier indicated he did not believe the theory of universal gravitation, saying it 'appears to me absurd.'”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence on Newton's Principia, 1685
Huygens critiques Newton's work as focusing on impractical topics and relying on questionable attraction principles.
In simple terms: He doubts Newton's practical value and foundational assumptions.
Key Takeaway
Question underlying assumptions in scientific theories.
Themes
skepticism
scientific critique
philosophy of science
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- academic research
- physics education
- philosophical debate
- policy advising
- science communication
Key Concepts
Newtonian mechanics
principle of attraction
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a scientific theory valuable?
- How do we balance critique with appreciation?
A Different Perspective
His view may undervalue Newton's lasting impact.
![“In science its main worth is temporary, as a stepping-stone to something beyond. Even [Newton's] Principia ... is truly but the beginning of a natural philosophy. Co-author with his brother Julius Hare.” quote by Augustus William Hare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/132/augustus-william-hare-7245_brother_in-science-its-main-worth-is-temporary-a_3069238.jpg)
