What has been done is little-scarcely a beginning; yet it…
“What has been done is little-scarcely a beginning; yet it is much in comparison with the total blank of a century past. And our knowledge will, we are easily persuaded, appear in turn the merest ignorance to those who come after us. Yet it is not to be despised, since by it we reach up groping to touch the hem of the garment of the Most High.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human knowledge progresses incrementally; each discovery, however small, builds upon past understanding, bringing us closer to higher truths.
In simple terms: Small discoveries add up to big understanding.
Key Takeaway
Value each step in learning.
Themes
science
progress
humility
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research labs
- academic study
- personal learning
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
incremental knowledge
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does each small insight shape your worldview?
- What can you learn from past scholars?
A Different Perspective
Some may view small steps as insignificant.