John Ray was an acclaimed English naturalist acknowledged to be ‘the father of natural history’. His interest towards nature is believed to have been cultivated by his herbalist mother. This made him study at some of the most renowned universities including the University of Cambridge. He was a great preacher and preached at his college and the St. Mary’s church. This helped him get his official holy orders and published his first book titled ‘Catalogue of Cambridge plants' and became one of the first known parson-naturalists. Although he was a non-conformist, he was a staunch believer of the ‘Church of England’. He further went on a three-year long tour with a few of his pupils to Europe. This research tour turned out to be very fruitful as he was able to pursue a deep study on plants. After the end of the tour, he came up with three of his publications which are considered as a gem in botany. He further did many works of research and is believed to be one of the founding fathers of botany and zoology. He is also believed to be the first person to give a biological definition of the word ‘species’. Let us browse through the thought-provoking sayings and quotations by John Ray that hold a world of wisdom. Read through the quotes and thoughts by John Ray to have a share of his huge intellect about nature.
One means very effectual for the preservation of health is a quiet and cheerful mind, not afflicted with violent passions or distracted with immoderate cares.
John Ray
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
John Ray
The heart is the first part that quickens, and the last that dies.
There is for a free man no occupation more worthy and delightful than to contemplate the beauteous works of nature and honor the infinite wisdom and goodness of God.
A spaniel, a woman, and a walnut tree, the more they're beaten the better they be.
John Ray
There is no doubt, that man is not built to be a carnivorous animal. What a sweet, pleasing and innocent sight is the spectacle of a table served that way and what a difference to a make up of fuming animal meat, slaughtered and dead! Man in no way has the constitution of a carnivorous being. Hunt and voracity are unnatural to him. Man has neither the sharp pointed teeth or claws to slaughter his prey. On the contrary his hands are made to pick fruits, berries and vegetables and teeth appropriate to chew them.
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