Emilie du Châtelet

Émilie du Châtelet (1706–1749) was a French mathematician and natural philosopher known for translating and commenting on Newton's Principia and for her work on energy and physics. Her writings, including Institutions de Physique, advanced scientific ideas in the Enlightenment and influenced contemporaries such as Voltaire.

Quotes by Emilie du Châtelet

Quotes: 1

You must be the master of your own destiny. — Emilie du Châtelet

Charting the Course: Mastery Over One’s Own Destiny

Yet, acknowledging interdependence is essential. While we are architects of our fate, our destinies intertwine with those of others, shaped by community and environment. Striking a balance—asserting control where we can, adapting where we must—forms the essence of wisdom. Ultimately, following du Châtelet’s counsel leads not to isolation but to an empowered engagement with the world, honoring both autonomy and connectedness. [...]

Created on: 8/9/2025