Skip to content

Bodies Quote by Isaac Newton

“I can calculate the motion of heavily bodies , but not the madness of people.” quote by Isaac Newton
Download Open image
““I can calculate the motion of heavily bodies , but not the madness of people.””

Isaac Newton

About This Quote

Source Letter: Correspondence with Robert Hooke, 1679

Newton acknowledges limits of scientific prediction for human behavior.

In simple terms: Science predicts physics, not human madness.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty in human nature.

Themes

science human nature limits

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • leadership decisions
  • policy making
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

determinism psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle unpredictable people?
  • Can we model emotions scientifically?
A Different Perspective

Human behavior may be unpredictable despite data.

2.8 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Isaac Newton

Explore all 266 Isaac Newton quotes

More Bodies quotes

Browse all 496 Bodies quotes