Carl Linnaeus

Biological taxonomy

Early Modern influential 145 sayings

Sayings by Carl Linnaeus

The more I study nature, the more I am amazed at the Creator.

c. 1730s-1770s — A common expression of his deep religious conviction and admiration for divine creation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A plant is a living being, but it cannot feel.

c. 1735 — A definition distinguishing plants from animals based on the capacity for sensation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The aim of natural history is to know God in His works.

c. 1730s — A statement of his theological motivation for scientific study.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Creator's wisdom is seen in the smallest insect as well as in the greatest elephant.

c. 1730s-1770s — An expression of his belief in divine design evident throughout the natural world.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Without names, knowledge is lost.

c. 1730s — A concise statement on the necessity of nomenclature.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Every country has its own plants, and every plant has its own country.

c. 1730s-1770s — An observation on biogeography and the distribution of species.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The first step in wisdom is to know the things themselves.

Uncertain (attributed) — A statement emphasizing empirical observation as the basis of knowledge.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The whole world is a museum, and all its inhabitants are specimens.

Uncertain (attributed) — A metaphorical statement reflecting his view of nature as a vast collection for study.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The knowledge of plants is a science, but the knowledge of their names is a pleasure.

Uncertain (attributed) — A nuanced distinction between scientific understanding and the aesthetic pleasure of naming.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Man is the measure of all things, but the Creator is the measure of man.

Uncertain (attributed) — A philosophical and theological statement placing humanity within a divine hierarchy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have spent my life in the company of plants, and they have taught me more than men.

c. 1770s — A personal reflection on his relationship with nature and its instructional value.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The study of nature is the study of God.

c. 1730s — A concise statement of his physico-theological view of science.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The greatest joy is to be useful to one's fellow men.

Uncertain (attributed) — A statement reflecting his humanitarian values and belief in the practical application of science.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The earth is a paradise, but men make it a hell.

Uncertain (attributed) — A critical observation on human impact on the natural world, attributed.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The more hidden the flower, the sweeter the scent.

Uncertain (attributed) — A poetic observation, possibly metaphorical, about nature or virtue.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The whole creation is a song of praise to the Creator.

c. 1730s-1770s — An expression of his religious awe and perception of natural harmony.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not ashamed to confess that I am a man who loves flowers.

Uncertain (attributed) — A personal and endearing statement of his passion for botany.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The world is ruled by three things: money, women, and botany.

Uncertain (attributed) — A humorous or eccentric personal observation, attributed.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most important thing in life is to be useful.

Uncertain (attributed) — A statement on his work ethic and purpose, attributed.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you want to know yourself, study nature.

Uncertain (attributed) — A philosophical statement linking self-knowledge to the study of the natural world.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable