Pierre-Simon Laplace was born in Beaumont-en-Auge in 1749, although not much else is known about his childhood. It is believed that his father had made a small fortune in the cider business while his mother came from a prosperous farming family. Despite not being raised in poverty, Laplace’s pompous personality lead him to avoid the topic altogether. This is probably due to not being high status or more likely because his family was rather unintellectual. His uncle was the only known family member with formal education.
Most boys would either study religion or enter the military at this time, and Laplace’s father wanted him to study religion. He attended a Benedictine priory school from age seven to sixteen and then enrolled at Caen University.
Most boys would either study religion or enter the military at this time, and Laplace’s father wanted him to study religion. He attended a Benedictine priory school from age seven to sixteen and then enrolled at Caen University.