However, the small probability of a similar encounter [of the earth with a comet], can become very great in adding up over a huge sequence of centuries. It is easy to picture to oneself the effects of this impact upon the Earth. The axis and the motion of rotation changed; the seas abandoning their old position to throw themselves toward the new equator; a large part of men and animals drowned in this universal deluge, or destroyed by the violent tremor imparted to the terrestrial globe.
Truth and justice are the immutable laws of social order. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
Truth and justice are the immutable laws of social order.
- Pierre-Simon Laplace
Probability theory is nothing but common sense reduced to calculation. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
Probability theory is nothing but common sense reduced to calculation.
The most important questions of life are indeed, for the most part, really only problems of probability. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
The most important questions of life are indeed, for the most part, really only problems of probability.
All the effects of Nature are only the mathematical consequences of a small number of immutable laws. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
All the effects of Nature are only the mathematical consequences of a small number of immutable laws.
To Napoleon on why his works on celestial mechanics make no mention of God: Your Highness, I have no need of this hypothesis. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
To Napoleon on why his works on celestial mechanics make no mention of God: Your Highness, I have no need of this hypothesis.
What we know is not much. What we do not know is immense. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
What we know is not much. What we do not know is immense.
Given for one instant an intelligence which could comprehend all the forces by which nature is animated and the respective positions of the beings wh… - Pierre-Simon Laplace
Given for one instant an intelligence which could comprehend all the forces by which nature is animated and the respective positions of the beings wh…
What we know is not much. What we don't know is enormous. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
What we know is not much. What we don't know is enormous.
The weight of evidence for an extraordinary claim must be proportioned to its strangeness. - Pierre-Simon Laplace
The weight of evidence for an extraordinary claim must be proportioned to its strangeness.
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