Christopher Wren Quotes

#1. Architecture has its political Use; publick Buildings being the Ornament of a Country; it establishes a Nation, draws People and Commerce; makes the People love their native Country, which Passion is the Original of all great Actions in a Common-wealth ... Architecture aims at Eternity.

Christopher Wren

#2. He was of opinion that what we now vulgarly call the Gothick, ought properly and truly be named Saracenick Architecture refined by the Christians.

Christopher Wren

#3. Neither need we fear to diminish a miracle by explaining it.

Christopher Wren

#4. In things to be seen at once, much variety makes confusion, another vice of beauty. In things that are not seen at once, and have no respect one to another, great variety is commendable, provided this variety transgress not the rules of optics and geometry.

Christopher Wren

#5. Si monumentum requiris circumspice
(If you seek his monument, look around.)
[Epitaph on Wren's tomb in St. Paul's Cathedral]

Christopher Wren

#6. A time will come when men will stretch out their eyes. They should see planets like our Earth.

Christopher Wren

#7. Variety of uniformities makes complete beauty.

Christopher Wren

#8. The secret of architectural excellence is to translate the proportions of a dachshund into bricks, mortar and marble.

Christopher Wren