The great body of population dynamics, like those of the motion of the celestial bodies, can be solved-and what is most remarkable, there is a surprising analogy between the formulas employed in these calculations. I believe that I have achieved to some extent what I have long said about the possibility of founding a social mechanics on the model established by celestial mechanics-to formulate the motions of the social body in accordance with those of celestial bodies, and to find there again the same properties and laws of conservation. (Adolphe Quetelet)

The great body of population dynamics, like those of the motion of the celestial bodies, can be solved-and what is most remarkable, there is a surprising analogy between the formulas employed in these calculations. I believe that I have achieved to some extent what I have long said about the possibility of founding a social mechanics on the model established by celestial mechanics-to formulate the motions of the social body in accordance with those of celestial bodies, and to find there again the same properties and laws of conservation.

Adolphe Quetelet

Related topics

accordance analogy believe body celestial conservation dynamics extent find founding great mechanics model motion population possibility say social surprising laws

Related quotes