Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia E Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia E.

Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia E., is a renowned English physician and writer, born in London in 1605. Known for his intellectual curiosity and erudition, Browne's most famous work is "Pseudodoxia Epidemica," published in 1646. This extensive study dispels popular misconceptions and unfounded beliefs prevalent in his time. Browne's keen observation and logical analysis challenged commonplace superstitions and pseudosciences, contributing to the development of scientific thinking. His writings showcase a unique blend of scientific inquiry, philosophical ponderings, and literary elegance, making him a prominent figure of the 17th-century Enlightenment.

And first Satan's endeavours have ever been, and they cease

And first Satan's endeavours have ever been, and they cease not yet to instill a belief in the minde of man, There is no God at all. . . . that the necessity of his entity dependeth upon ours, and is but a Politicall Chymera. . . . Where he succeeds not thus high, he labours to introduce a secondary and deductive Atheisme; that although, men concede there is a God, yet . . . that he intendeth only the care of the species or common natures, but letteth loose the guard of individuals, and single existencies therein: That he looks not below the Moon, but hath designed the regiment of sublunary affairs unto inferiour deputations. To promote which apprehensions or empuzzell their due conceptions, he casteth in the notions of fate, destiny, fortune, chance and necessity. . . . Whereby extinguishing in mindes the compensation of vertue and vice, the hope and fear of heaven or hell; they comply in their actions unto the drift of his delusions. . . .

Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia E

God