Julien Offray de La Mettrie

Philosopher Physician French 1709 – 1751

Advanced materialist philosophy and mechanistic psychology.

386 quotes

"Art imitates the structure and function of nature."
Art
"Beauty is the harmony of parts in relation to the whole."
Beauty
"Change is the only constant in nature."
Change
"The mind is a product of matter in motion."
Philosophy
"True wisdom lies in understanding our own nature."
Wisdom
"Dreams are the mind's response to bodily sensations."
Dreams
"Success comes from acting in accordance with reason."
Success
"The greatest invention is the discipline of the senses."
Creativity
"History teaches us that humans are driven by self-interest."
History
"Patience is the virtue of those who understand time."
Patience
"Power belongs to those who understand human nature."
Power
"Justice is the balance of mutual interests."
Justice
"Work is necessary for the development of human potential."
Work
"Faith without reason is the enemy of truth."
Faith
"Technology extends the power of human sensation."
Technology
"The body speaks a language the mind must learn."
Science
"Kindness is enlightened self-interest properly understood."
Kindness
"Imagination is the power to perceive beyond the immediate."
Imagination
"Adventure is the test of one's understanding of life."
Adventure
"Strength comes from accepting one's own nature."
Strength
"Fear is the product of ignorance about our true nature."
Fear
"Time is the measure of all change and becoming."
Time
"Money is merely a tool for satisfying natural desires."
Money
"Solitude is necessary for understanding oneself."
Solitude
"Relationships thrive on mutual understanding of desire."
Relationships
"Love is the strongest of all physical attractions."
Love
"Family bonds are rooted in biological necessity."
Family
"Friendship requires honest recognition of common interests."
Friendship
"Perseverance is the persistence of reason against obstacles."
Perseverance
"Gratitude is recognition of benefit received."
Gratitude