Posted by Scott L. Schofield on November 19, 1999, at 8:31:42
In reply to Re: Depression, Evolution - God, Proof, and Faith, posted by Adam le grenouille on November 19, 1999, at 0:35:01
You're right. I apologize.
What's worse, is that the author of the biographical piece on Laplace never bothered to translate it either.
* See the excerpt below.Regarding the existence of a Creator, Laplace said, "Je n'avais pas besoin de cette hypothèse-là." I believe it means something like, "I had no need of that hypothesis."
> > If you could prove God exists, there would be no need for "faith".
> Well, exactly; it's an untestable hypothesis. (And do we really have need for it? Laplace didn't....)> > > Who is Laplace? I envy you your wealth of education.
> http://www.maths.tcd.ie/pub/HistMath/People/Laplace/RouseBall/RB_Laplace.html will provide the answer to your question.----------------------------------------------------------
* Excerpt from a short biography written about the French mathematician, Laplace.
Laplace went in state to beg Napoleon to accept a copy of his work, and the following account of the interview is well authenticated, and so characteristic of all the parties concerned that I quote it in full. Someone had told Napoleon that the book contained no mention of the name of God; Napoleon, who was fond of putting embarrassing questions, received it with the remark, ``M. Laplace, they tell me you have written this large book on the system of the universe, and have never even mentioned its Creator.'' Laplace, who, though the most supple of politicians, was as stiff as a martyr on every point of his philosophy, drew himself up and answered bluntly, ``Je n'avais pas besoin de cette hypothèse-là.'' Napoleon, greatly amused, told this reply to Lagrange, who exclaimed, ``Ah! c'est une belle hypothèse; ça explique beaucoup de choses.''----------------------------------------------------------
> > > Thanks.
> > > > I haven't spoken to enough Christians regarding this topic to know if this is true or not. It does seem that it is religion that has inspired most of the great feats of mankind, especially those of antiquity. This may no longer be true in the industrial age.
> Okay, I think we should start listing the great feats of mankind now.
> > Je n'ai pas besoin de les escrire ici. Alors, il y a trop de cettes choses.
> > > (Pardon. J'ai oublie presque tout).
> > > - Scott
> Pourquoi parlez-vous en français? Parlez en anglais ainsi les gens peuvent vous comprendre.
> (Pardonnez moi pour les erreurs. Mon francais est assez mal.)Your francais is certainly better than mine.
- Scott
poster:Scott L. Schofield
thread:14368
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991108/msgs/15519.html