Civilisation Quote by Voltaire
““I am convinced that everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges, - astronomy, astrology, metempsychosis, etc... It is very important to note that some 2,500 years ago at the least Pythagoras went from Samos to the Ganges to learn geometry...But he would certainly not have undertaken such a strange journey had the reputation of the Brahmins' science not been long established in Europe””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with a friend, 1768
Ancient knowledge from the Ganges, including astronomy and geometry, shaped European thought, highlighting cross‑cultural intellectual exchange.
In simple terms: Old Indian science influenced Europe.
Key Takeaway
Study diverse intellectual histories.
Themes
history
science
cross‑cultural exchange
philosophy
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- curriculum design
- public lectures
Key Concepts
Ancient wisdom
knowledge transmission
global influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What other ancient cultures impacted modern science?
- How reliable are such transmission claims?
A Different Perspective
Attribution may be historically exaggerated.
