“The following general definition of an animal: a system of different organic molecules that have combined with one another, under the impulsion of a sensation similar to an obtuse and muffled sense of touch given to them by the creator of matter as a whole, until each one of them has found the most suitable position for its shape and comfort.”
Cite this quote
APA
Diderot, D. (n.d.). The following general definition of an animal: a system of different organic molecules that have combined with one another, under the impulsion of a sensation similar to an obtuse and muffled sense of touch given to them by the creator of matter as a whole, until each one of them has found the most suitable position for its shape and comfort. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2834-the-following-general-definition-of-an-animal-a/
MLA
Diderot, Denis. “The following general definition of an animal: a system of different organic molecules that have combined with one another, under the impulsion of a sensation similar to an obtuse and muffled sense of touch given to them by the creator of matter as a whole, until each one of them has found the most suitable position for its shape and comfort.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2834-the-following-general-definition-of-an-animal-a/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Diderot, Denis. “The following general definition of an animal: a system of different organic molecules that have combined with one another, under the impulsion of a sensation similar to an obtuse and muffled sense of touch given to them by the creator of matter as a whole, until each one of them has found the most suitable position for its shape and comfort.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2834-the-following-general-definition-of-an-animal-a/.