Hutton hit on a variety of ideas to explain the rock strata he saw around him . According to Playfair he `` was in no haste to publish his theory ; for he was one of those who are much more delighted with the contemplation of truth , than with the praise of having discovered itâ . Hutton hit on a variety of ideas to explain the rock formations he saw around him , but according to Playfair he `` was in no haste to publish his theory ; for he was one of those who are much more delighted with the contemplation of truth , than with the praise of having discovered itâ .