Complicated Quote by John Herschel
![“[When nature appears complicated:] The moment we contemplate it as it is, and attain a position from which we can take a commanding view, though but of a small part of its plan, we never fail to recognize that sublime simplicity on which the mind rests satisfied that it has attained the truth.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0b/john-herschel-18983_complicated_when-nature-appears-complicated-the-mome_203650.jpg)
“[When nature appears complicated:] The moment we contemplate it as it is, and attain a position from which we can take a commanding view, though but of a small part of its plan, we never fail to recognize that sublime simplicity on which the mind rests satisfied that it has attained the truth.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Simplicity of Nature, John Herschel, 1848
When we view nature plainly, we see a simple, satisfying truth that rests the mind.
In simple terms: Seeing nature plainly reveals simple truth.
Key Takeaway
Observe directly, find calm.
Themes
observation
philosophy
clarity
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- science study
- mindfulness
- education
- design thinking
Key Concepts
epistemology
natural law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify a complex problem?
- What does 'sublime simplicity' mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Complex analysis can obscure simple truths.
![“To every one [Nature] appears in a form of his own. She hides herself in a thousand names and terms, and is always the same.” quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4cb/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe-36_form_to-every-one-nature-appears-in-a-form-of_1265819.jpg)
![“Accustomed to trace the operation of general causes, and the exemplification of general laws, in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceives neither novelty nor beauty, [the scientist and natural philosopher] walks in the midst of wonders.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91d/john-herschel-18983_accustomed_accustomed-to-trace-the-operation-of-gen_1136585.jpg)
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
